To be cont'd: My Mom's Journey with SSA Thank you all - over, & over, & over... I've been keeping mom updated on your responses, and she and I are both overwhelmed at the overall wonderfulness (yes, I create new words *every day*) of this community. SO. Today she met with the SSA person (a person I'll refer to as The Govt, and I'm proud of my restraint here because there's literally a million other words at the tip of my tongue), along with the Advocate, herein referred to as "The Ass" (whoops! I only have so much restraint). The Govt reviewed Mom's paperwork, and marveled that my mom's expenses actually exceeded her benefit. (Clearly, the woman had never tried to live on an SSA benefit.) Mom had the cool to explain to The Govt this thing ed credit, and the challenges of getting by on a small, fixed income. Mom gave copies of her credit card bills (for those extravagant items like prescriptions, clothes, groceries, cleaning products - you know, the stuff that normal people buy because, well, they need it)for review. The Govt told Mom that having the "debt" waived was extremely rare, and left my mom with the feeling that she would be declined again, and that she would have to appeal this decision with a judge. The Govt asked Mom if she wanted to negotiate a settlement, and when my mom asked The Ass if she should, well The Ass had no recommendation. After the meeting, mom asked The Ass if she should get a lawyer and The Ass said that no lawyer was likely to take the case. Mom asked her what she should do, and The Ass recommended "whatever you think". Mom thanked her for all her help, and apologized for being a high-maintenance client, and making this nice lady work on yet another SSA case, and The Ass told her actually, she had very little experience working on SSA cases. Mom is going to be contacting the State Bar for lawyer recommendations. We'll hear whether The Govt waives the "debt" or insists on a hearing in the next ten days or so. She's contacting Pelosi as well, just to get everyone involved. I'm also writing them. This is just such a farce I can't believe it. We're going to have a good dinner and some good wine this weekend, and tackle whatever comes as it comes.

Best wishes This sounds unbelievably frustrating and anxiety-causing.

I know! I feel so bad for her. She's amazing, my mom, and so doesn't deserve this. I wish there was more that I could do - but the advice that I got from this board has given us hope and strength - I'm still awed by the thought of getting senators and congresspeople involved...and that their response was *positive*!!!! I have some hope there, and hope also with finding an attorney who works with SSA. If worse comes to worse, I know we'll get by no matter what - my family is wildly dysfunctional, and mom, me and my sister have weathered nastier things. I just wish she weren't so scared. She's amazing, and doesn't deserve this. (I see I said that twice. No, really: she doesn't deserve this.) Thank you for your kind words. They mean so much to me and her.

in looking for legal assistance you might look into the legal clinics associated with the various top notch law schools around the bay. though the law students aren't necessarily experienced in the realm you need help in, they're a) pro bono ad b) supported and advised by some of the best legal faculty in the nation.

Someone I know has been on SSA for awhile Maybe they have a referral to counsel. I'll letcha know if I come up with anything. Your post - aggravating(the gov't aka The Ass). I'll check in the morning.

Thank you! Sorry if my post was aggravating - thank you for any advice/insight/experience you have!

You might check with Boxers/Pelosi's office for recommendations of a good lawyer that might help you. Those politicians tend to know big lawyers that might help you out. It's not impossible for Govt to waive debt. At this point it's just numbers and not real debt so it can be reversed with a keystroke. Remember the squekiest wheel gets the oil but when dealing with Govt don't become angry because they can close doors on your options if they feel you are rude.

Here is a firm about pro bono work I would suggest contacting Morgan, Lewis x-*** and as for Jill Bartow, she is a pro bono coordinator attorney there. I cannot be certain if this firm does your mom's type of case but it's worth ing to find out. I know the firm requires every attorney (x of them) to put in hours towards worthy causes. good luck. But please don't everyone hound this woman, they are very selective on the cases they take.

Thanks so much for the link I've given the number to my mom.