Lone Star Legal Aid’s Susan Schoppa Helped Ms. T Keep More of Her Monthly SSI

When you’re living on a fixed income, every dollar matters.

Ms. T, 57, resides with her husband in their quiet home as empty nesters. With both relying on limited Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any unexpected deductions or changes in benefits can create significant financial strain.

After her husband was awarded SSI, Ms. T came to Lone Star Legal Aid with questions—specifically, why they weren’t receiving twice the individual SSI rate now that both spouses were eligible. That’s when LSLA attorney Susan Schoppa began reviewing their situation.

While explaining that married couples receiving SSI are subject to a reduced “couple’s rate” rather than two full individual payments, Schoppa noticed something else: both couples had earned income, reducing their SSI benefits. Additionally, Ms. T’s benefits were being reduced by $72 each month to repay a Social Security overpayment. Ms. T had received a notice of the overpayment several years ago, but she didn’t appeal it.

Schoppa realized that the agency was still counting Mr. T’s prior part-time wages, lowering the SSI benefits they received. She explained how Ms. T could submit a letter to the local agency office to confirm that her husband had stopped working altogether. She also explained how Ms. T could complete a form requesting that the agency waive or forgive the overpayment.

When the agency denied her request for a waiver of the overpayment, Ms. T returned for more help. Schoppa offered to prepare and submit another form to request a change in the rate at which the SSA recovers overpayments on behalf of Ms. T. The form allows recipients to explain their financial hardship and ask for a reduced repayment amount.

Thanks to Susan’s thoughtful advocacy, the SSA approved the request and reduced the monthly deduction from $72.00 to just $20.00—helping Ms. T and her husband keep more of their income for essentials like food, utilities, and medication.

“I just didn’t know what to do or how to fix it,” Ms. T said. “Susan really helped me understand my rights and got this taken care of so quickly.”

Once again, Lone Star Legal Aid helped a family navigate the complexities of the benefits system, securing the support they needed and the dignity they deserved.