Getting money doesn't mean losing government aid
For many years now I have been helping our compatriots in solving various kinds of social issues.
Knowledge of the latest changes related to the legal regulation of social protection issues is a guarantee of qualified assistance. Here, cooperation with lawyers, whose professional knowledge and awareness can help each of us legally enjoy the prescribed rights and benefits, helps me.
Unfortunately, the Soviet stereotype is firmly rooted in our minds: only criminals need the help of a lawyer. More than once I had to deal with people who, not wanting to use the services of a lawyer, made irreparable mistakes, and, as a result, lost their right to a variety of social benefits.
So, a few years ago, one of my clients, let's call her Lena, being a recipient of the state SSI program, was hit by a car. Her physical and mental suffering was compensated by a substantial amount of money. Considering that this money is not earnings, and, therefore, cannot affect the right to use state aid, Lena did not even try to consult a knowledgeable lawyer.
The letter from Social Security was like a bolt from the blue to my client. It stated that the monetary compensation she received would strip her of her right to SSI. Now she has to pay astronomical amounts of her own medical bills, medicines and home care, and there is no longer a benefit to pay for housing.
Under existing law, SSI eligibility will only be reinstated when all the money received has been spent.
Trying to help Lena, I remembered that there was an entry in my notebook: “Stephen Miller is a professor and a lawyer”. I called and it turned out that he is the head of the Melnik Law Group.
My question was: Was there a legal opportunity for my client to save money without losing her SSI entitlement?
Professor Melnik's answer was unequivocal: yes, such a possibility existed. And the only problem is that the lawyer who dealt with the issues of compensation for moral and physical damage (Personal Injury Lawyer), being unfamiliar with the intricacies of the laws of Social Security, did not consult with a specialist in this area of law in time, which actually led Lena to loss of government aid.
It turns out that if my client, having already lost her eligibility for SSI, would immediately turn to a lawyer specializing in Medicaid and SSI for help, then the course of events could still be changed.
The topic raised turned out to be very relevant for the lawyer Stephen Melnik, who is a recognized specialist, both in matters of social protection and taxation, and in matters related to inheritance and protection of property from creditors.
He explained to me that it was illegal to try to "hide" the monetary compensation in any way, for example, to receive a check in the name of a relative. In the event that the deception is revealed, you may face not only deprivation of benefits in the future, but also imprisonment.
It must be remembered that if, during the transfer of the inheritance, the will for the money received as compensation is not properly executed, their amount can be almost halved due to taxes.
After analyzing the information received and sorting through the stories of many of my clients in my memory, I came to an unequivocal conclusion: if you, being on this or that state benefit, received a certain amount of money, do not risk it and do not try to dispose of it at your own discretion. See a knowledgeable professional.
To solve this extremely important issue for you, the help of a highly qualified accountant (CPA) is not enough. This requires a lawyer who is both Medicaid, SSI and Tax Law practitioner to help you legally preserve your money and benefits.
As you know, time passes quickly. Lena has long spent the money that has brought her so many problems.
I continue to help our compatriots in solving various social problems, and I am absolutely sure that if you find yourself in a situation like Lenina, you need the help of lawyer Stephen Melnik, who is one of the most reliable and experienced Russian-speaking specialists.
Tax Specialist, Professor Stephen Melnik, has a deep knowledge of the regulation of government programs such as MEDICAID, SSI, WELFARE, and is able to best protect your interests.
Melnik Law Group is headquartered in Rockefeller Center, and most recently the company opened its new office in Brooklyn at:
3072 Brighton 1st Street
You can call the office
by phone:
1.800.275.4901
to get the consultation
and make an appointment with a lawyer
Stephen Miller
