Self Help Tools

Printable Guide This guide will walk you through what to expect at a disclosure hearing, and what you will need to know to go in prepared.

Published and up-to-date as of 5/27/2020 What is the stimulus check? As part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, the federal government will issue payments - by check or direct deposit - to millions of income-qualified Americans.

Up-to-date as of 7/30/2020 Is the Social Security Administration Open? Yes, but there have been changes because of COVID-19.

A disclosure hearing can happen once a creditor has a judgment against you for money you owe. Sometimes the creditor must take you to court to find out what property and income you have. This is called a disclosure hearing. This guide will walk you through what to expect at a disclosure hearing, and what you will need to know to go in prepared.… More

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.

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).

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:

If you owe someone money, they can try to collect it from you by taking you to court. This guide will help you understand the court process and the rights you have. You are the debtor. The person who you owe money to is the creditor.

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.  

General assistance (called GA after this) is a program run by every town to help people who don't have enough money to pay their necessary expenses. You may be eligible if your basic living costs are more than the money you have or can earn.