Money, Taxes, & Debt
Student Loan Project
Welcome to PTLA’s Student Loan Project!
We provide free legal services to student loan borrowers.
We help people with:
COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Checks FAQ
Published and up-to-date as of July 2022.
Student Loans & COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 9/20/2023
Social Security and COVID-19 FAQ
Up-to-date as of 12/15/2020
Is the Social Security Administration Open?
Yes, but there have been changes because of COVID-19.
Falling behind on student loan debt? Here's what you need to know
This guide lays out your options for many different student loan debt situations.
Is this guide for you?
You may use this guide if:
Health Care Tax Tips
Do you get a health care tax subsidy for health insurance you bought through the "federal marketplace." Learn about your duty to report certain financial changes.
Repaying Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans can be intimidating and confusing. In this article we will explain types of federal student loans, repayment plans and situations, and loan discharge and forgiveness programs.
Common Defenses in Small Claims Cases (Third Party Collections)
You have been sued in small claims court. The company suing you says that you did not pay a debt, like a credit card debt. But, this is not the company who sold you the credit card (or who loaned you the money).
Will Getting A Big Tax Refund Make Me Lose My Benefits?
This year, you won’t have to worry about losing your benefits if you get a big tax refund. Starting in 2011, any tax refunds you get will not affect most public benefits, or how much you get!
Under the law passed in December 2010:
Heating Assistance News
LIHEAP funding continues to be lower than in previous years. This will mean that more households will be turning to local heating assistance programs after their LIHEAP money runs out. Here is a summary of the programs we know about - followed by information about how to access local programs.