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Story of Justice: Marie Receives a $70K Repayment Charge from the Social Security Administration

Marie Receives a $70K Repayment Charge from the Social Security Administration

Background

Marie*, a senior, was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2008. Since she could not work due to her medical condition, Marie applied for Social Security disability benefits. After undergoing multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, the senior felt well enough to go back to work. In 2012, Marie enrolled in the Ticket to Work Program’s Center for Independent Living.

A few years had passed when Marie received a notice from the Social Security Administration advising her that she had been overpaid $70K in disability benefits. The notice demanded that she repay the entire amount even though she had almost no income.

Legal Assistance

Marie reached out to Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) for help. CCLA helped Marie file an appeal and request a hearing before an administrative judge. A hearing was scheduled in front of a Judge at the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Operations. In preparation for the hearing, CCLA’s attorneys and paralegals reviewed the exhibits, conducted legal research, submitted a brief to the judge, and prepared Marie for the hearing.

Why It Matters

To everyone’s surprise, a few hours before the hearing, the judge called to cancel the hearing. Based on Marie’s arguments in her brief, the judge had ruled in favor of the senior and waived recovery of the $70K overpayment. Marie was more than relieved by the decision and thankful to CCLA for the free legal assistance they provided in her moment of need.

For more information about Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), please explore our website.
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*Names, images, and details have been changed to protect our client’s privacy

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