I'm legally blind. I was actually born completely blind and although I gained my sight. My retina never developed and I was considered legally blind by the state. I'm not able to drive.. etc.
I was on social security. They weren't giving me much so I was also working so that I could pay for my school books and living expenses. Social Security would send me paperwork and it would always state that I was 'not blind'. I would send the paperwork back, correcting the error.
Now, they are saying that they have overpayed me since 2004 in the sum of 50,000. We are filing an appeal. (My mom and sister are assisting). We went to see an attorney who told us that these are the steps that we need to take. First, an appeal to stop the overpayment and get the benefits restored. If that doesn't work, we file a waiver to try and stop me from having to pay back the money and finally, if all else fails. I file for bankruptcy.. which I really don't want to do. I've always been responsible in paying my bills (this is one, that I shouldn't have to pay) and I hate the idea of not paying the other debts that I have.
A lady I work with is a paralegal and told me that she thinks that if I file bankruptcy, Social Security can still ask for the overpayment. There is no way I can pay this. I make no money. I work seasonally from the months of April until September and this month (July), I'm only working 10 days for the entire month. I have no money!
If there is anyone with legal knowledge, is this attorney right or is the paralegal?
