Disability question

[whusurdadi]

I was looking for some input into a situation my brother and sister-in-law just fell into...
My sister-in-law was working as a radioactive tech for a hospital for a few years, and got very sick, and filed for disability. She was approved and it helped pay their mortgage and other expenses (like it's supposed to) since she couldn't work.
She has been trying to get a new job for a while now.
They got a call last week from an attorney saying that since they signed the application saying they don't get subsidized help, and they lied, they need to pay like $14k back.
They asked what "subsidized help" they got and the attorney responded that they got income tax credits on my brother's taxes for their 2 children!
So now they have to come up with $14k, which they don't have lying around, by the end of the month to pay back the money they "illegally" took!
Anyone ever heard of something so bizarre? Should they talk to someone to see if they can negotiate it down or get it cleared?
Thanks in advance for the help...

 

[DNW]

Find a legal aid society in the area and ask them for help, or alternatively, call the local Bar Association.

Who's the attorney representing?

 

[whusurdadi]

I assumed they were representing the state of MD...
I will find out and tell them to call the local Bar Assoc. - thanks...

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

Find a legal aid society in the area and ask them for help, or alternatively, call the local Bar Association.

Who's the attorney representing?

 

[DNW]

Originally Posted by whusurdadi

I assumed they were representing the state of MD...

That sounds very odd to me. I know the economy is in the *******, but an attorney calling to collect on behalf of the State--that's just some next level ****.