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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hello all,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A couple days ago, a client received a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that the agency overpaid benefits to his now deceased mom, and that approximately $6500 needs to be paid back to the agency. This was sent as part of the Steigerwald vs Berryhill class action lawsuit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The facts from our client are that his mom was repeatedly denied SSI benefits until she passed away in June 2004, after which time an award of benefits was given, and client received benefits as a dependent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The letter is addressed to ‘The Family of XXX, ‘decd’. There is no estate from which to collect anything and she has been dead for over 15 years. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t be time barred or does the class action lawsuit change that? Can he ignore the letter? Could he be personally liable because he received funds as well or as the beneficiary of her estate?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you in advance for any insights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jennifer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Jennifer M. Johnson</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Attorney<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hanigan Law Office, PS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>PO Box 39 - 68 Main Street<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cathlamet, WA 98612<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>(360) 795-3494<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>(360) 795-3001 (f)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#FB0007'>CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: </span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>THIS EMAIL IS INTENDED TO BE A CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATION. </span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>IF YOU ARE NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT OF THIS EMAIL, PLEASE DO NOT READ OR PRINT IT. </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#00006D'>This transmission is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. 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