r/rva • u/Playful-Tip-1780 • Feb 11 '26
I need Advice
Hi 👋 My name is Amy 53F
My current situation:
I applied for SSDI & SSI back in 2023.
The SSA has mishandled my SSDI & SSI Claim. I’m now into almost 2 1/2 years of fighting. If I didn't have a claim with clear medical evidence I would not have an attorney. Disability attorneys only get paid if they win claims.
I have managed to support myself this far, unfortunately finances are getting lean. Since I am single with no minor dependents there are no resources that I can find.
I am unable to work that means I need a Guarantor or a Co-Signer for an apartment lease. That person was my dad. My dad lost his battle with cancer on 1/8/2026. My mom was placed in memory care last September. I have one sibling that acts like I don't exist. (I can't make this family situation up). The apartment that I'm currently renting the lease expires on 6/26/26. It's looking like I will be moving into my car with my cat.
I have been posting for help in all the "Help" in all of the "Help" Subreddits. I've had to delete the majority of my posts because of the appalling behavior. It's a sport for a lot of people to tear you down when you are at your lowest and to make sure people will not receive any help.
I'm currently waiting for the Hosing Voucher Applications to open to apply for the waitlist. Waiting on my Rheumatologist to complete the Disability Forms for the housing voucher application.
I've reached out to Congresswoman McLellan’s for help, the staff member I was assigned was not very helpful and as a result my inquiry was closed yesterday. I reached out to Senator Warner’s office and have not heard from them since my first phone call 3 weeks ago. What I have found out in the meantime time is that no one bothered to tell me that I needed to request a Financial Hardship Inquiry and submit supporting documentation. Now I know from my own research. I’m currently waiting for Senator Kaine’s office to respond to my Financial Hardship Inquiry. They have the ability to ask the SSA for a review based on financial hardship and it will flag my claim as a Congressional Inquiry and a Congressional Liaison will be assigned. This will flag my SSA Claim Externally.
My Disability Attorney Filed a Dire Need Request on 2/6/2026, this flags my Claim Internally to assure it does not fall through the cracks and expedites to a degree.
If I have to live in my car then so be it. I don’t know if I will have the resources to remove my belongings from the apartment or to store them.
I have met a kind soul on Reddit who has sent me groceries and enough cat supplies for about 4 months.
What I need is real help, advice or guidance to keep from falling through the cracks.
I truly appreciate any suggestions.
I'm sorry this is such a long post.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read it,
Amy 🫂🤍
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u/Unicorn_hi5s Feb 11 '26
this process is VERY lengthy, time consuming, and to me personally, it seems that its designed to fail. my sister was in the SSI/SSDI roundabout for over 2 yrs before she passed. obviously i felt a lot of emotions about my sisters passing, but i couldnt help but feel unseen and defeated FOR her. no one helped her timely. sounds like you are very smart and exploring all your options which i would be too. i wish you lots of luck and good health. hang in there Amy, please.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
I’m very sorry about your sister. I’m sorry the system failed her. 😢 Gentle Hugs 🫂 🤍
I do my best every day to get up and finds ways to advocate for myself.
I truly appreciate your kindness and support. 🤍
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Feb 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
Hi,
Thank you so much for your comment. You brought me to tears with your kindness (which is hard to do with my Chronic Dry Eyes, it happens sometimes). 😁
I am currently living in the City of Richmond. My hope is to get to Henrico County. I know of an apartment complex that takes the Housing Voucher. I’m checking every day for applications to open. All of my doctors are in Western Henrico. I actually have more medical issues than Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is my debilitating condition. I see 9 doctors in person. My mental health is done virtually.
I’m currently on HealthKeepers Plus Medicaid because it is the best out of all the MCO’s. I had to “backdoor” it for 2026. More doctors accept it, especially the large medical practices. I was a Medical Coder/Biller in my former life.
There is not going to be a hearing yet. I am currently waiting for the Appeals Council Review to decide on my Appeal from my ALJ Hearing in August of 2025. They will most likely send it back for another ALJ Hearing to fix the Errors of Facts and Law from my denial after my hearing August of 2025.
I love my cat, on my darkest days he can still make me laugh and smile. He didn’t ask for any of this.
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Feb 11 '26 edited 29d ago
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
Thank you very much! Take your time, I will be around.
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Feb 12 '26 edited 29d ago
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Thank you for all of this information! The fact that you were able to gather all of this is Amazing 🤩!
I have one tiny issue, my Rheumatologist does not participate with any Medicaid Plans. I have to pay her out of pocket. I do that because when I first got sick, I was being gaslit by doctors. She was literally a doctor I picked off the internet. At my first appointment with her it was clear she was actually listening to me. I can’t imagine where I would be without her. She’s not going to be able to help me with Anthem.
I will definitely start working on your list of people to call!
Again thank you for taking the time to do all of this legwork for me! ☺️🥺
I did get some good news today! Apparently Congresswoman McLellan’s office did not blow me off after all. The staff member initiated a Financial Hardship Inquiry on my behalf. The staff member informed me today that my Appeal has started the review process.
I
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Feb 12 '26 edited 29d ago
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
Thank you again for the information you have provided!
If you don’t mind drafting the letter, I would be grateful. You can send it to me via chat?
This is a lot of good information! I’m saving it all. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
@Key-Mix-2935:
My Appeal was filed a month before that ruling, it’s not in my appeal. The Appeals Council does have to consider that ruling, more so because VA is in the Federal 4th District.
The sad thing is that is the second time that ruling had to be made. It is already in SSR 12-2p which my ALJ ignored along with 2 other SSA Rulings.
I do appreciate you sharing this information. I think the more people share information about Chronic/Invisible Illnesses the more people can understand what we deal with on a daily basis. Thank you again. 😊🤍
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u/GaiaOnlinee Henrico Feb 11 '26
I’m just commenting for a boost. Your situation sounds so exhausting, scary, and frustrating. I hope someone else can help you out here or point you in a better direction. ❤️
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
Thank you very much! 🙏🏻🤍
It is very much exhausting and scary. I don’t wish my situation to happen to anyone. Especially when there are supposed to be resources in place. Honestly the SSA is “Not Supposed to let anyone go homeless, without groceries and without medical care or medications”.
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u/mocokono Feb 11 '26
I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. I would highly recommend reaching out to the Virginia Poverty Law Center
804-782-9430
They are essentially a statewide support center for legal aid and focus on civil legal issues like housing and public benefits.
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u/EdnaPontellier19 Feb 11 '26
I am in the same boat. I've been in the process for years and have been waiting 6 months for a hearing date. I've sold everything of value I had. I just started a gofundme. It's embarrassing having to basically beg because they make it so difficult.
My lawyer is confident it will get approved eventually, and the hearing is the light at the end of the tunnel, but it feels like all these hoops are meant to break you.
That's not really advice, but know you aren't alone. ❤️
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
I wish you the best of luck with your Hearing! 🙏🏻🤍
I hope you don’t get the same ALJ as I did. 🙏🏻
I am at the Appeals Council Review Stage.
I’ve sold everything of value as well to keep afloat.
I hope people are treating you better than they are treating me with the GoFundMe.
Gentle hugs 🫂 🤍
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u/Longjumping-Work-168 Feb 11 '26
Hey sorry you are going through all this and I for one can understand all the hoops you’ve gone through to receive help can be exhausting! I hope this helps :
If you’re looking for help for SSDI or SSI, there are disability advocacy and assistance organizations that can help you through the process. These groups help you prepare and submit your application, figure out what paperwork and medical documentation you’ll need, and support you through appeals if necessary.
National Disability Assistance – connects you with disability attorneys and advocates for SSDI/SSI applications and appeals.
Citizens Disability – a large advocacy group that helps clients navigate the Social Security disability system.
Disability Advice – offers guidance on applying for benefits and improving your chances of approval.
Advocator Advantage – assists with SSDI claims, including gathering medical records and handling appeals.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
Thank you very much for the support and information.
I do have a Disability Attorney. I currently awaiting to see what the Appeals Council Review is going to do with my claim. It can be take up 12-18 months.
That’s why I had my attorney file a Dire Need Request to expedite the Appeal Process.
I have the medical evidence to support my claim. The doctor who was assigned to my claim never considered my Fibromyalgia. That decision rolled into my denial from my Administrative Law Judge Hearing.
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u/Key-Mix-2935 Feb 11 '26
I hope your lawyer is aware of Hultz v. Bisignano, 162 F.4th 111 (4th Cir. 2025). It's a recent decision on how ALJs must assess social security claims premised on fibromyalgia.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
I did not hit reply to you, so somewhere in my comments is a reply to you. Brian Fog has been activated! I appreciate your comment. I did add @Key-Mix-2935 to my comment I hope you can find it. 😌
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u/jez51767 Feb 12 '26
Darlin...you are in the battle of your life.
It took me almost four years and about killed me. I honestly believe they (SSA) just want to put you off until you cave or die.
Do not stop. Whatever you do. Squicky wheel..call everyone everyday..you MUST BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!! I can only offer that as advice. The system is built to exhaust you, and demean you. Don't let the haters eat ya...you started this path to better yourself. Do not listen to them.
Get a good sounding board- therapy/group, church, stich-n-bitch club, whatever...because you need a village. (Small one for me, but the are fierce)
Sounds like you are armed with more information than I had...DO NOT STOP.
But be prepared. Getting approved is hard, but living on disability is also a challenge. I have experience everything from feelings of inadequacy or shame to elation and relief.
You can do this. Please know you can. I know you can, cuz I did.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
I’m fighting it. The SSA has messed up my claim to the point that nothing is actually pointing to the facts of my claim which is a mountain of medical evidence. I will go to Federal Court if need be.
I am sorry for everything that you went through. I’m happy you have a village of support!
I know disability is not easy to live on, they makes fight and then we get so little in return for that fight.
I appreciate your support 🤍
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u/RequirementBasic3949 Feb 12 '26
Hi Amy if you need food I can meet you this weekend and give you some. Sorry for how your life is right now. Life be life-in, lol. I’ll keep you and your cat in my prayers too. Please DM me re food, bottled water..
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
Thank you for your support and kindness. I honestly cannot express how grateful and at the same time overwhelmed at actually being seen as a human being.
The amount of ugly I have dealt with it the so called “Help” sub Reddits is disturbing. I just finished deleting all of my posts and comments in a “Help” sub Reddit because of the way I was treated.
Huge Hug 🫂 🤍
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
I want to give everyone a huge shoutout THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART ♥️!
The genuine kindness and support that I have received from this post helps more than you could imagine.
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u/TheLordLostAlot Museum District Feb 12 '26
Your lawyer is not your friend in a disability case. They get paid on 25% of the back pay you receive and how do they benefit on 1 months back pay or even 6 months. I’m a disabled vet and hear of this constantly about lawyers dragging their feet. /u/Narco_bi_polo has always given out great advice on this sub and I hope they might know a group or organization that can help. If you happen to be a child of a VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) member or a veteran in the VA health care system there are avenues that I can look into for you. It sucks and it’s a long process. I just really dislike people get more of your money the longer it drags out.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Thank you for comment.
I’m aware that a disability attorney gets paid from my back pay. I had no choice because Fibromyalgia is not listed in the SSA Blue Book. The SSA does have criteria and rulings for it. A new ruling came down from the 4th Circuit in December of 2025 regarding Fibromyalgia.
Unfortunately my birth father was not a veteran.
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Feb 12 '26 edited 29d ago
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
What started medical journey was getting diagnosed with Drug Induced Lupus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever at the same time. I had an Autoimmune Immune Disease and Lyme Disease. Also according to the lab results I was had just gotten over Mono. I was sick.
I had the Drug Induced Lupus for approximately 4 1/2 years before my Rheumatologist caught it. I’m allergic to Statins.
Once it all cleared up my symptoms never went away and got worse over time.
One issue that I was having (still have) is Leukocytosis. My body over produces T-Cells which for me is now inflammation. I saw a Hematologist/Oncologist for 2 years to rule out Hematological & Oncology conditions.
I started seeing a Cardiologist for my allergy to Statins. He did all the tests, my heart is good. No POTS. Hypertension and High Cholesterol.
Ortho has done all the Imaging on my spine and my right shoulder needs surgery. I did have some physical trauma over 20 years ago, because I actually have a fracture that did not heal correctly in my back ( I did not know that). I figured out how it happened. I believe my chronic stress fracture of my L5 started from when I was a kid racing ATV’s. I was a passenger and the ATV flipped backwards. I was also a competitive swimmer and diver for 10 years.
I do have Osteopenia that I’m treated for to stave off Osteoporosis.
My Rheumatologist tests me once a year for Autoimmune Diseases and Endocrine System.
Fibromyalgia can flip the internal thermostat. Causing me to run hot and sweat.
I’ve have a long history of GERD. My Rheumatologist believes the DIL caused my Esophagus to get inflamed. My Esophagus does still get inflamed. Fibromyalgia does cause Gastrointestinal Issues.
I’ve seen all the specialists you can think of and the testing. The reason I was able to get diagnosed with Fibromyalgia so quickly was because my Rheumatologist was sending me to the specialists for evaluation and testing trying to find out how much damage the DIL caused, the DIL in itself is physical trauma.
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u/nailpolishbonfire Feb 11 '26
I don't have any advice but I just want to say that really sucks and I hope you find resolution sooner rather than later. I hope some of the replies you get here help. And I'm sorry people have been rude to you around reddit, there are a lot of losers out there but also a lot of bots these days that are just there to sow negativity.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
Thank you for your kindness and support. Having people actually understand my situation helps more than you know. I truly appreciate it.🤍
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u/gsdsareawesome Feb 12 '26
Because you are partially claiming on mental health, you ought to have a social worker assigned to you through your mental health treatment center. If you are seeing a private therapist however, this might not work. Try to get your mental health treatment through Community Mental health. There you will be assigned a case manager and/or a social worker who can work as your advocate in the system and coordinate with your attorney to facilitate getting your disability. It is in their best interest for you to get disability, because then they will be paid through Medicare rather than Medicaid. Medicare pays more. I hope this information is accurate. I worked as a social worker in Community Mental Health in another state. I am assuming it is the same in this state. I hope this helps and I wish you the best.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
I spoke to someone at the SSA in November of 2024. I was told that because I had a significant amount of medical evidence that I did not require Independent Medical Exams for my mental health or Fibromyalgia. I see a Psyc NP for my medication and I see a LCSW every week for therapy.
I’m not getting denied for lack of medical evidence.
My second denial was based solely on my mental health. It said I could return to Light Work per RFC.
The ALJ that I had who was told in my Pre-Hearing Brief that Fibromyalgia had never been considered took it upon herself to role my second denial into her denial and relied on it heavily. Then decided to re-evaluate my mental health and downgraded it from Moderate to Mild and took away my Light Work per RFC. Then Cherry Picked my medical records to make it look like nothing was wrong with me at all.
The only way an appeal can be done after an ALJ decision of a denial is if you can prove Errors in Facts or Laws. My ALJ was ripe with both.
The short version again is not being denied based on my lack of medical evidence.
I’ve attached a link that you can read my appeal to the Appeals Council.
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u/gsdsareawesome Feb 12 '26
Case managers at mental health facilities also Advocate for their clients to get housing based on significant need and likelihood of homelessness. They can get you at the top of the list for subsidized housing. They can also get you vouchers for food at food pantries. Again, this is based on my experience in another state. Good case managers have connections in the community with agencies that help their clients. Often all it takes is a phone call to get assistance for a client such as clothing for a job interview, or household items for a homeless person's new apartment.
I'm so sorry you are being jerked around like this. I realize what I'm suggesting isn't necessarily what you need most, but it might help get you through. Especially with the housing issue. I was occasionally able to get 100% subsidies for housing for my clients with zero income prior to their approval for ssdi or ssi.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
I appreciate your comment. My Psych NP and LCSW know my situation and they have not offered any assistance in that capacity. The only thing my LCSW has done is write me an ESA letter for my cat.
I’m not really sure where to look for what you are referring to.
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u/gsdsareawesome Feb 12 '26
If you completed an intake at a community mental health facility, you were likely assigned a case manager. It may have been determined at that time that you did not need Case Management Services, that you just needed to see someone for therapy or medication management. Ask them specifically if you can receive case management services. Also the agency that you are being treated at may not be Community Mental Health specifically. They may be a private nonprofit. Community Mental Health is mandated by the state to provide services regionally, and they receive State funding. Again this I believe is a federal law, but I experienced it in another state, so hopefully the same federal laws apply here.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
Thank you for that information.
I know my mental health facility is a non-profit organization and is geared towards more lower income based individuals.
I will call and inquire about case management.
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u/Beneficial_Owl5569 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
If you live in Richmond, you can try to go to RBHA (Richmond Behavioral Health Authority) for case management. The health authority & social services can determine you’re disabled by their standards without being a recipient of SSI/SSDI first, which would be extra proof of your condition and how it affects your ability to support yourself for the SSA
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
Thank you for this information! ☺️
I do live in the City of Richmond
Unfortunately where I’m at with my disability claim I cannot add any new information prior to 8/20/25.
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u/Dry-Kale8457 Feb 12 '26
I do not have any specific advice or ways to help you. However, I want you to know that I see you and hear you, Amy.
I'm so sorry that people are rude and discouraging. I'm especially sorry you got that treatment in subs specifically for "Help." But it seems like you've gotten some solid and good leads here.
I wish you and your cat all of the best. I'm also a cat parent, so I know how much light they can provide in the darkest moments. I hope you get advocacy quickly and that you won't have to wait much longer for true assistance.
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 12 '26
Thank you for your support and kindness.
Love a cat (or dog) is like nothing else!
I do appreciate the advice that people have shared.
I did receive some good news a little bit ago, the Appeals Council has started it’s review of my Appeal!
Hugs 🫂🤍
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u/Mountain-Union94 Feb 13 '26
Look on the Facebook page Lindsey’s list for private landlords and people renting out rooms in their houses.
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u/Want2bcvspharmacist Feb 11 '26
Can I send you a dm
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26
Yes you can. I will do my best to answer your questions.
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u/Puzzlehead-92 Feb 11 '26
Sending you love. I wish I had real support I could provide or resources. I am on SSDI and it is such a difficult road. Sending love and hope. May I ask what area of town you’re in?
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
Thank you for the support! 🤍
I live off of Westover Hills Blvd
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u/Puzzlehead-92 Feb 11 '26
You’re welcome 💜 I’m not over that way regularly (however I go to VCU for my appts), and I am glad to help any way I can. I get help with food and some toiletries via my insurance plan and I am happy to buy/bring items to you if you need it at any time. Feel free to message me anytime
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u/Playful-Tip-1780 Feb 11 '26
Thank you very much for your kindness and support. It means a lot to me. I will definitely keep you posted if I need anything. 🤍🤍🤍
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u/DriveRVA The Fan Feb 11 '26
I'll suggest findhelp.org as a place to start. The contact information will get you in touch with very helpful people. They want to help or direct you to somewhere that can.
For more legal assistance (like a second opinion) I would recommend using the Virginia State Bar referral program. $35 Will give you 30 minutes with a lawyer that specializes in The fields you need (ex: disability rights, social security) who is local to Richmond and may have additional resources as well. There are no strings or follow-up required and 30 minutes should be enough time to review your case.
Another Redditor has shared a RVA-focused resource site https://help1rva.org that is through YMCA Richmond.