Publication date: 20.06.2025
My name is Vitaly Romanov, I am responsible for the daily coordination of the Buro Law Group team - from strategic management and marketing to operational processes, work with personnel and financial accounting. My task is to ensure the smooth functioning of the company and guarantee that each client receives timely, attentive and effective legal support. My experience in the field of business consulting, management of service teams and launching Internet projects has allowed me to build a modern system of legal client service - with clear processes, proactive communication and control of the result at every stage. I coordinate work on complex cases - in particular, pension provision in the USA (Social Security Retirement), appeals of SSA denials, obtaining benefits and immigration cases to the USA and the UK. My task is to make sure that our clients do not feel the bureaucracy, but see the result. I am fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian, which allows me to work effectively with clients from different countries and cultures.
Pension in the USA with Incomplete Work History — How to Restore Credits and Receive Benefits
In 2024, a client contacted me — an immigrant from Ukraine living in the USA and aged 66. She attempted to apply for a pension under the Social Security Retirement program but was denied due to having only 28 of the required 40 work credits. For most of her life, she worked unofficially or had employment abroad.
I joined the case at the stage where the client had already received a denial from SSA. The task was to restore the missing work credits and confirm her actual employment history.
What steps did we take to achieve the result?
- Situation analysis and SSA report review. We obtained an official Earnings Statement, which showed only 28 credited quarters. Additionally, we collected W-2s, 1099s, tax returns (Schedule C), and written statements from former employers.
- Confirmation of informal employment. The client worked in private households, cared for elderly individuals (IHSS), and was paid in cash. We prepared tax amendments and gathered employer testimonies to confirm actual payments.
- Updating tax records and filing an appeal. After submitting the pension application, SSA recognized only part of the employment history. We initiated the Reconsideration process, prepared a legal statement, added further evidence, and referenced SSA guidance.
- Successful case resolution. SSA reconsidered the case, recognized 40 credits, and granted full retirement benefits, including retroactive payments. The client also received Medicare and support with accessing additional social programs.
Case Study
Situation: A woman from Ukraine who worked in the US for over 20 years, mostly without official documentation. SSA had counted only 28 work credits.
Actions:
- Obtained Earnings Statement from SSA;
Analyzed missing years, located W-2 and 1099 forms, and filed amendments to past tax returns. - Prepared documents for informal employment;
Collected statements from employers confirming cash payments and caregiving work. - Filed pension application and appeal;
Prepared legal justification and submitted updated data through the Reconsideration process. - Received positive SSA decision;
The client was granted 40 credits and eligibility for full benefits, including retroactive payments. - Post-approval support;
Medicare was enrolled, and guidance was provided for Section 8, Lifeline, and Access programs.
Result: Full Social Security Retirement pension, monthly payments based on earnings, and access to additional support programs.
What Exactly Do I Offer?
- Detailed analysis of your situation;
I will review all SSA data, tax documents, and employment history. - Preparation of amendments and tax forms;
Assistance with Schedule C, 1040X, and collecting proof of informal employment. - Filing pension claims or appeals;
Application through MySocialSecurity, complete documentation, and legal statements. - Full legal support;
Guidance through every stage — from document collection to benefit approval and enrollment in support programs. - Consultation in three languages;
I work in Ukrainian, Russian, and English for your convenience.
Why Clients Trust Me
- Years of experience in US pension and work credit restoration cases.
- Deep knowledge of SSA processes and tax law.
- Proven results in restoring lost work credits and obtaining benefits.
- Transparency, responsibility, and results at every stage.
If you’ve been denied a pension due to insufficient work credits — don’t give up. There are ways to prove your employment, even if it was informal. Contact me — I will help collect the necessary documents, file an appeal, and secure the benefits you deserve.
A US pension is your right. Even with incomplete work history, you may still qualify — with the right legal strategy.
