I was on SSDI for 6 years and was supposed to go to a reassessment hearing back in August of 2010. I couldn't get there because it was in another city and I had no transportation and just blew it off since I figured they'd drop my disability anyway. They did drop it in Sept. and I got an overpayment bill in Nov. for $17,000. I have no assets or income and just got out of the hospital. I reapplied for disability and have a case pending. I filed a form to waive the overpayment charge and had an interview they other day at the local SS office regarding the waiver. After getting more medical and financial information they basically said that the waiver will be reviewed and they may waive it or they may not. If I get benefits again they still may not waive the overpayment and just take it out of my benefits. That sounds plain nuts to me. Still charge an overpayment because I wasn't qualified and then reinstate benefits because I qualify? My benefits were less than $900 per month so even if I did get reinstated both a lawyer and potential overpayment charges would take a chunk of that I'm sure. Maybe I could find an attorney that does pro bono sometimes? Or should I just get a regular attorney that specializes in benefits? Thanks.

