Story of Justice: Liza

Liza is a 19 year old living in an assisted living facility in the protective custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Adopted from Romania as a young girl, Liza had been born without a right arm, blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. She also had learning disabilities.

Abused by her adopted mother, she was removed from her home without any independent source of income. Unable to work full-time and experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, she applied for Social Security Disability Benefits. Her application was denied. At the request of the DCF, Coast to Coast took on the representation of Liza on her Social Security claims. Her attorney contacted Social Security Disability Review and provided them with additional information.

Denied a second time, attorney appealed her case and continued to provide letters and information to the hearing office, urging this was a case of dire need. This time the benefits were granted without a hearing. Immediately, Liza’s life changed. She moved into her own apartment, began intensive mental health and life skills therapy and working with vocational rehabilitation toward possible future employment.

Now with health insurance, Liza has new glasses and medical treatment for stress related stomach problems. For the first time in her life, Liza feels independent and confident about her future.