Kevin's story in a cream word bubble over a red background. "Kevin" is an SSDI beneficiary who worked for the local Boys & Girls Club until recently. Social Security hadn’t completed a work review on his case since December 2022, so when one was completed in December 2025, it indicated that client’s benefits should have been terminated in December 2022 due to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) earnings. His benefits were terminated and he was responsible for a Social Security overpayment of over $42,000! While researching the case, Kevin's advocate, Ashley, learned that he had received on-the-job accommodations due to his developmental delay. These accommodations are called subsidies and can reduce a beneficiary’s countable earnings. Kevin also receives supported employment assistance, including job coaching, which should also have been considered on his benefits review. We filed a request for reconsideration was filed, and in March 2026, Kevin received notification that the original decision was reversed due to this newly added information. His Social Security payments were reinstated and the overpayment eliminated!

All things considered: give your disability story a happy ending. Thanks so much, Ashley, for helping Kevin to tell his ❤️
#NLSSuccess

Alyssa's story on blue and teal background. Until her father passed away 7 years ago, “Alyssa” had been receiving SSI due to her intellectual, developmental, and genetic disabilities. Her benefits then shifted to Childhood Disability Benefits, with her mother as the representative payee. Last September, she received a huge shock when the Social Security Administration sent her notification that, because of her work income, she’d been overpayed in her benefits by over $38,000! In addition to this overpayment request, they’d also cut off her benefits, and Alyssa worried that she would lose her home. On top of this, her financial situation was already difficult as she’d had to reduce her work hours due to her disabilities, AND she’d recently undergone surgery.

Alyssa's story continues on blue and teal background.Our disability team went in, armed with evidence, showing that Alyssa qualified for a waiver of this overpayment. While she’d been receiving SSI, her work income was reported, as required, she and her mother were unaware that she’d needed to continue reporting. We argued that Social Security KNEW Alyssa had been working, were fully aware that Alyssa’s mother also had mental health and learning disabilities, and not only did not explain the reporting responsibilities to them, but also failed to conduct a timely work review, which could have reduced the duration and amount of the overpayment. Through vigorous advocacy, Alyssa’s waiver request was granted! Not only was the overpayment waived, but her benefits were restored with a $21,000 payment of back benefits!

Maneuvering the labyrinth of social security and disability benefits can be difficult, and one small misstep can lead to big consequences.

But we're here to help! 🛟

#NLSSuccess #Disability #Overpayments

NLS Success story on yellow background. Jummy's story in large quote bubble: “Jimmy” had been unhoused after an eviction and was seeking placement by DSS. Though he was an Erie County resident, he was placed in Niagara County while awaiting a permanent home, where he was required to make long bus commutes for any kind of follow up. Over the next year and a half, Jimmy dealt with infestations and security issues in the room, while also travelling back and forth to view apartments that didn’t meet his needs. Though he advised that his disability required ground floor housing, he often showed up to placings on upper floors, or in the basement. Our advocates helped with reasonable accommodation requests for extra time, assistance with his rent subsidy, advisement of his work incentives and disability benefits - and with Jimmy’s motivation and follow up, he was able to secure a new place, right in the city. Client quote at bottom attributed to Jimmy: “Thank you very much, man. Thank you for everything because I wouldn't have gotten as far as I’ve gotten if it wasn't for you.”

The resillience of our clients is awe-inspiring ✨ #NLSSUccess

Throwback NLS success story in speech bubble with news articles in the background. “Willa” needed Clozapine to control her severe mental disorder. While today, this is a common treatment for a number of psychiatric conditions, in 1989, it was still considered an “experimental” drug, and Medicaid refused to pay for it, in spite of the attestations from Willa’s doctors that it was the only medication that would help. Willa’s psychiatrist was so concerned, based on her past history, that her family began making her funeral arrangements. After robust advocacy and appeal from the NLS disability team, an Administrative Law Judge ordered Medicaid to pay for Willa’s Clozapine prescription, and her condition became stabilized through her new drug regiment.

#TBT Every ones has different needs and we've ALWAYS prioritized finding the right solutions for YOU, as an individual.

#NLSSuccess #Appeal

Teamwork makes the dream work 💪 Shoutout to our friends at Erie County DSS and our vendor contacts for creating magical moments for our clients each and every day

#NLSSuccess #ECDSS

Betty's Story in blue speech bubble with neighborhood houses on the bottom of the image. “Betty” had been living in a home owned by her cousin “Karen.” When Karen considered gifting her the home, the family was concerned about the impact that might have on Betty’s SSI, so they made an arrangement to give the home to another relative, with the stipulation that Betty be allowed to remain in the house and take responsibility for taxes and utilities. This arrangement worked well for several years, until one day, Betty was served with a 90 notice to leave the home. The fantastic legal minds at NLS Lockport argued that Betty was NOT, in fact, a tenant, and therefore could not be evicted by a notice like this. The judge agreed and Betty is now free to remain in her home while we prepare for the next steps...

Family dramas come and go, but your protecting your rights is forever 💎

#NLSSuccess #LandlordTenant

Max's Story in white word bubble over blue background with red, white, and blue star decorations. Max is a Veteran of the US Navy, discharged in 1971 under honorable conditions. Now in his 70s and receiving military and disability benefits, he has been unable to enjoy retirement due to the ongoing financial abuse by his much younger husband. Forced to leave the home he paid for, Max relocated to a derelict, rural property, with no utilities, unsure of where to turn. Through our Medical-Legal Partnership, Max was introduced to his fiercely loyal advocates who stood behind him every step of the way, as he regained access to his home, his benefits, and his peace of mind.

What does financial abuse look like? On blue background with red, white, and blue star decorations. When your partner controls the money in your bank account and monitors your spending Requests all your receipts and change from shopping Allots an allowance to pay bills or buy groceries that doesn’t even cover expenses Denies you access to credit cards Makes all the decisions on how household money is spent Refuses to allow you to have a job, OR demands you turn over all your earnings to them Refuses to provide money for personal care or wellness Does this sound like you or someone you know? Reach out to see how best we can help!

Financial Abuse is often overlooked as a form of intimate partner violence, but this is a very real problem affecting many Veterans, especially those who are older and/or disabled.

#NLSSuccess #Veterans #FinancialAbuse

Destiny's Story in orange word bubble with house and scales icons. When “Destiny” invited an acquaintance to stay with her while waiting for DSS placement, she expected Molly to be there only a few days. Instead, Molly brought in another friend and they began to threaten both Destiny and her small child. This harassment continued even after she was forced to flee her own home for safety. The advocacy she received from NLS was threefold: First, our Family team helped Destiny to create a safety plan, to ensure security, while our Public Benefits team worked with DSS to build a bridge for emergency services. Finally, our housing team leapt into action, filing papers to have the squatters removed from the residence, allowing Destiny and her child to return to their home.

When you work with NLS, you don't get just one legal mind - our entire team is there to support you!
#NLSSuccess #Eviction #SafetyPlan

Quote bubble that says “If you had told me I would get a FREE attorney who would turn my life around, I would be MIND-BLOWN! Thanks to you, my son now has the stability and peace he deserves. I’ll never forget how much you’ve helped protect our future.” Underneath is context text: Amanda had been embroiled in a bitter divorce/custody battle for years and came to NLS after her ex had refused to return her son from Alabama, costing her $3000, her job, and had to move into DSS housing in the process of getting him back. With NLS advocacy behind her, Amanda received sole custody, $11K in support arrears, and is now housed and working while getting back on her feet.

Who does NLS help? People like Amanda.
#NLSSuccess #Custody

Throwback NLS Success story in quote bubble. Attorneys in our Family Law Unit gave special priority to DV cases, and we learned that the police often failed to advise victims of the availability of shelters, or give them written notice of their legal rights and remedies to stop the abuse, leaving them to fend for themselves. As a result of litigation by NLS, Buffalo police have agreed to give the victims written information about their legal rights when they respond to a call for assistance. -1989 NLS Annual Report

Historically, DV was seen as a ""family issue,"" and not addressed as a social justice movement. In fact, all until the 70s, it was not only legal but socially accepted for husbands to beat their wives.
NLS is proud to have been an early champion for change in WNY
#NLSSuccess #DVAM2025

Angie's story in a blue word bubble with blue houses and scales for decoration. “Angie” wasn’t panicked when she received a notice on her door that she had 14 days to move out of her home or be locked out. Even though she lived in a virtual technology desert, she knew just who to reach out to - thanks to our Justice Bus legal outreach team! Our renowned JB attorney Zoe filed orders right away, noting that Angie was not properly served or notified of her eviction court date, and that there was a possibility that her landlord was retaliating against her for complaining of safety issues. Within 2 weeks, we’d negotiated a settlement with the landlord so Angie will be able to remain in her apartment for as long as she likes!

Barriers to #Justice can often be harsher on our rural neighbors, but hey - eliminating barriers is kinda our thing 😎

#NLSSuccess #JusticeBus #Outreach

CareBears National Share Your Care Day with Care Bear icon on purple background. NLS Success story in speech bubble: "Maria" reached out to our WIPA team when she'd received notification that her earnings were above eligibility for her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), her SSDI benefits were terminated, and she could potentially be on the hook for over $22K in overpayments! She was in dire financial need and in jeopardy of homelessness. Maria's illustrious advocate, Diana, leapt into action, working with the social security administration and Maria's employer to discuss subsidies and work incentives, as well as wading through mountains of paperwork, to resolve the issue. After several months of hard work, her benefits were reinstated, the overpayment eliminated!

You can always count on an NLS advocate to show they care 🩷🐻
#ShareYourCare #NLSSuccess #WIPA #BenefitsAdvisement

Throwback NLS Success story in a speech bubble with vinyl records in the background. I had a client come to me for a child support order, really struggling. Her ex only worked in cash economy and never paid. One day, I asked him if he had records, and he said, ”yea, I have hundreds of records,” thinking I meant vinyl records. I asked if they were worth a lot of money and his attorney sat right up because he knew what was coming. He said, “yea it’s a great collection, very valuable.” I said, “If I put them out on the lawn and had a garage sale, how much would they get me?” Anyway, I got her a great settlement.

#TBT Sometimes solutions just fall into your lap.

#NLSSuccess #ChildSupport

Who does NLS help? We help people like Jesse, like Judy, like Lori ❤️
#EquitableJustice #NLSSuccess

"NLS Success story in a word bubble with icons of justice scales and apartment buildings for decoration. “Staci” is a a survivor of childhood abuse, was diagnosed with cancer and, subsequently, post-traumatic stress disorder. Due to her medical condition, she fell behind on rent and were served with an eviction petition. When DSS advised she didn’t qualify for assistance, Staci turned to the NLS Medical-Legal Partnership team. With our help, Staci’s eviction was stayed, allowing her to remain in her home for an additional 6 weeks, and giving her the opportunity to find other housing arrangements."

We all need a little help sometimes - never hesitate to ask!

#NLSSuccess #EvictionPrevention #MLP

"NLS Success with image of piggy bank and spreadsheets. After almost 8 years of appeals and denials, superstar paralegal Darlene was finally able to obtain a judgement for $67,791 in retroactive SSI benefits for a disabled NLS client! Not satisfied to leave the job half done, Darlene has been working tirelessly since then to secure the $130,799 in SSDI back payments still owed, while ensuring he won't be responsible for any overpayments or withheld attorney fees."

Having trouble with your benefits? We can help!

#NLSSuccess
#ClientStory