Man’s Social Security Disability Benefits Cut, Owes $200,000

Many federal government programs are undergoing cuts due to President Donald Trump’s administration. This has led to people being denied the benefits they need. An HIV survivor in California is seeing this first hand.

The 62-year-old man has been living with HIV and AIDS for 38 years. He has been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 20 years, as he is physically unable to work.

However, that has recently changed. The Social Security Office sent the man a letter telling him that his disability benefits were being cut. On top of that, the agency claims he was overpaid, so he suddenly owes $201,079.10.

The man is freaking out. He lives in San Francisco, which is one of the most expensive cities in the United States to live in. His Social Security Disability benefits are his sole source of income.

The letter stated that there were concerns about the man’s benefits and that they should have stopped in December 2013. However, the man has continued to receive these benefits for another 11 years, so he now owes more than $200,000. Making matters worse is the fact that he has just 30 days to pay back that amount.

Even though the man is physically unable to work full-time, the letter stated he should not have received disability money from 2014 to 2025. It is unknown why. The man’s doctor says that the man’s health is poor and he absolutely should be receiving Social Security Disability benefits like his life depended on it.

And well, as the man has no other source of income, his life does depend on it. The man is literally scared for his life. His Medicare benefits have also been cut. If he cannot access his medical care, he won’t be able to access his medications, which are keeping him alive. No medications means the HIV virus in his body will spiral out of control. He could die within a year or two.

The Social Security Administration has refused to discuss the case due to privacy laws. However, the agency has confirmed that it has reached out to the man to address his concerns.

The man is now working with a lawyer and has reached out to lawmakers. He has also applied for a waiver and will be appealing for reconsideration. He believes the DOGE cuts are to blame.

Despite all this, the man is still hopeful. He has people supporting him and the right legal help so he can fight. He is optimistic and says “I have to hope that right will win.”

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits are a necessity for disabled Americans. It’s good that they have options to complete their claims and do not necessarily have to apply in person

A White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon can help you get the benefits you need. The process is not always easy, but you can count on us to handle even the most complex claims. Call (914) 228-1770 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

abc7news.com/post/bay-area-hiv-survivor-owes-back-201000-social-security-getting-disability-benefits-cut/16147446/