Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
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Consumer & Finance
Financial Matters for Older Iowans
Many older Iowans may find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to financial matters, especially after the death of a spouse who handled the family?s finances.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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Spanish / Español
Funeral Purchases - Protections Under The FTC Funeral Rule
Your funeral may be one of the most expensive consumer purchases you or your family ever makes. To avoid overspending, it helps to understand your rights under the "Funeral Rule" enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC").
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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Spanish / Español
Creditor Threats - Are They for Real?
Health problems, car accidents, and credit cards can make it tough to pay your bills. Creditors and debt collectors may contact you and threaten to take your income and property. You should know that federal and Iowa law protect certain property from being taken by most of your creditors
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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Spanish / Español
Is Your Social Security Safe from Debt Collectors?
With several important exceptions, your social security check is safe or "exempt" from claims of creditors. The money in your account, however, may not be automatically protected. You might need to tell or prove to the creditor or bank that your money is from social security and is exempt.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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Spanish / Español
Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements - Pros and Cons
There are many advantages to planning and paying for your funeral in advance. Iowa law has a number of provisions that protect consumers who make pre-need funeral arrangements.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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Spanish / Español
Payday Loans - a Convenience You Can't Afford!
The use of "payday loans" (also sometimes known as "cash advance loans," "check advance loans"
or "delayed deposit checks") has become a ritual for many working Iowans, including the elderly.
Unfortunately, the Iowans using these types of services do not realize what the service is costing them.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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Spanish / Español
Predatory Lending - Don't Be a Victim
Predatory lenders take advantage of unsuspecting consumers by marketing and making mortgage loans with vastly inflated interest rates and fees and other burdensome terms. Predatory lending is a serious problem throughout the country, one that can leave you penniless and homeless.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Property Tax Suspension for People Who Get SSI
Many people with a disability own or are buying their homes. Iowa law allows people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Supplemental Assistance (SSA), or live in a health care facility, to get their property taxes suspended.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Just Say "No" to Unwanted Door-to-Door Sales
While there are reputable businesses that sell door-to-door, many use high pressure and assorted tricks to get your money. The best way to deal with a salesperson who is selling something you don’t need or want is to just say “NO”!
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Protecting Yourself from Telephone Marketing Fraud
Telemarketers often use illegal and deceptive practices such as contests, free prizes, sweepstakes, fake charities and other tricks to seduce older Iowans out of their hard-earned savings.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Basic Rules of Credit Cards
Credit cards should only be used as a source of funding for emergencies such as car repairs, or for short-term loans for large purchases only. Before using your card to make a purchase, think about where the money will come from to pay it off. All who use a credit card should know the basic rules of credit cards.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits for Iowans Who Are Elderly or Disabled
Iowans who are elderly or have a disability may be able to receive financial benefits this year from one or more of three programs.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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Spanish / Español
Telephone and Utility: New Rules Help Cut Costs of Phone Service
The Iowa Utilities Board put rules in effect to make telephone service cost less for low-income Iowans. The rules apply to anyone who takes part in the Medicaid, food stamp, SSI, federal public housing assistance, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program ("LIHEAP") programs.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Telephone Slamming
Telephone slamming occurs when a telephone company changes your telephone service without your consent. Slamming is illegal, and you can protect yourself from being slammed by following a few tips.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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Telephone Slamming - Protections and Remedies
Telephone slamming occurs when a telephone company changes your telephone service without your consent. Slamming is illegal, and you can protect yourself from being slammed by following a few tips.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Federal Trade Commission
Your funeral may be one of the most expensive consumer purchases you or your family ever makes. Most people, however, do not handle a funeral purchase the same way they approach other major purchases. To avoid overspending, it helps to understand your rights under the "Funeral Rule" enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income people pay for winter heating costs. The amount of money a person can get depends on household income and size, fuel used, and the type of housing. LIHEAP is not intended to take care of the whole bill - it helps cover costs where the need is greatest.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Consumer Brochures
(Separate Website)
Helpful information from the National Consumer Law Center for consumers and advocates on a range of issues from bankruptcy to telemarketing fraud.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Dealing With Medical Debt
It is important to plan for medical expenses. Equally important is knowing how to deal with medical bills when you have no money to pay them.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Elder Law Seminar Videos
Presentations from the 2007 series of programs for older Iowans and their caregivers. (High speed Internet connection needed to view)
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Help With Phone Equipment for Iowans with a Hearing Disability
If you are an Iowan and have a hearing disability, you can get help with special phone or other equipment to make it easier to talk or communicate by phone
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
The Golden Years and Debt
Major changes older people face often have a dramatic impact on their finances. Someone who is not realistic in dealing with these changes can be trapped by expenses and spending that quickly deplete savings.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianship and Conservatorship
The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding guardianships and conservatorships.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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Determining if Guardianship or Conservatorship is Necessary
It may be very difficult to decide if a guardianship or conservatorship is needed. These questions and points to consider may help in making that decision.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Alternatives to Guardianship and Conservatorship
Guardianship and conservatorship can be the most restrictive and costly options for substitute decision-making. Other alternatives may work as well or better.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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The Iowa Legal Aid Website is a project of Iowa Legal Aid, the Volunteer Lawyer Projects of the Iowa State Bar and Polk County Bar Associations and HELP Legal Assistance.
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