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Benefits and money

Free legal help and avoiding scams

Every state has a free disability rights agency. Legal aid helps with benefits, housing and more. And nobody should ever charge you to apply for benefits.

Your state's disability rights agency

Every state and DC has a Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency. It is free. It helps with abuse and neglect, special education, Medicaid and services, housing, voting and work, and with Social Security work questions.

Find yours

Legal aid

How to spot a benefits scam

Walk away if someone:

  • Charges a fee to apply for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, Lifeline or VA benefits. Applying is free.
  • Says they are from Social Security or Medicare and threatens arrest, or says your number is "suspended."
  • Asks you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cash by mail.
  • Asks for your Social Security number, Medicare number or bank login on a call you did not expect.
  • Offers free equipment, genetic tests or braces if you give your Medicare number.
  • Promises a certain result or "guaranteed approval."

Lawyers and representatives for Social Security appeals can only be paid if you win, and Social Security must approve the fee. VA claims help is free from accredited service officers.

Report a scam

Last reviewed November 9, 2026. Sources: NDRN member agencies. Also: Legal Services Corporation; SSA Office of the Inspector General; Federal Trade Commission. This page explains how programs work. It does not decide who qualifies. The agency that runs each program makes that decision.

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