My question involves civil rights in the State of: New York, Erie County.
Hello,
I need advice please. I applied for assistance from New York and as part of the routine paperwork which needs signature, the social worker with a bunch of other papers threw in a form stating that I am giving consent for recoupment and to voucher my payments.
I signed that paper along with the rest of the bundle.
Today I discovered that the form which I had signed was blank, which the social worker filled in my name and other information such as my case number, address and utility bill account numbers weeks later. This info was not available at the time I signed it.
Can I contest this , I had no intention of signing it and believe that I was tricked.
I was not given the opportunity to read this form and was mislead. I pretty much was at the mercy of the social worker and had no choice but to trust her. The New York register says that signing this form needs to be voluntary and the worker should explain to me that this is NOT a requirement to get assistance.
I was never informed of this plus this paper was presented to me in a way where I was lead to believe that it is a requirement. I was lead to believe I had no choice but to sign it to receive assistance.
After she got the signature, weeks later after information became available, she entered it in, without informing me or bringing this to my attention, I don't even remember seeing an area in the form where you need to put my name, address and utility bill account numbers.
I would like to apply for a Fair Hearing and Conference. I still have time to do so.
Can anybody please tell me if I have a valid argument and what the chances are of any action in my favor.
Thank You

