Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 25 resources
A New Way to Get Your Driver's License Back
Since January 1 of 2008, some Iowans who have lost their driver's license have a new option for getting their driver's license reinstated.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Are You Ready for Digital Television?
Many people may not know they are at risk of losing their TV signal after the switch to digital television takes place in 2009. Find out about a government program to help cover the cost of the change.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Beware of Bad Tax Advice and Unreliable Return Preparation
Be an informed consumer when selecting a tax preparer. Going to an inexperienced or unethical return preparer can hit you in your pocket book. Filing returns with inflated deductions or credits can result in you owing back taxes, interest and penalties.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Beware of Tax E-Mail Scams
(Separate Website)
The latest versions of an e-mail scam try to fool people into believing they are under investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigation division.
By: Internal Revenue Service
Consumer Issues When You Don't Say I Do
A variety of issues can come up when a couple lives together but is not married. This resource takes a look at consumer issues that can arise.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Credit Counselors: What to Expect, What to Avoid
Are you in debt and feel like you can't make any headway? One frequent piece of advice is to consolidate the debt and have a single monthly payment. This resource looks at factors you should consider.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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
Decoding your hospital bills
(Separate Website)
Tips for finding and fixing costly errors.
By: Consumers Unions
Do You Have a Junk Mail Problem?
To receive less commercial advertising mail, you can register for The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Mail Preference Service (MPS), which allows you to “opt out” of national mailing lists.
Facts About Foreclosure
The following "factsheet" can be useful to help homeowners understand their rights when facing the loss of their home.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Bosnian / Bosanski
,
Spanish / Español
Financial Matters for Older Women
Many older women may find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to financial
matters. To protect yourself from being taken advantage of and to ensure some degree of
financial security for yourself, it is essential that you know about your income, resources and
debts.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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
Getting the Health Care Services You Need
Has your insurance company, Medicare or Medicaid denied you help? You don’t have to take no for an answer.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Going to Court Could Get Easier
It would be good if people had a lawyer whenever they needed one. But there has never been enough money to make this happen for low-income Iowans. This leaves a lot of people on their own. The Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association have accepted the recommendations of a joint task force. Proposed changes would help people who don’t have a lawyer.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Help for Drivers Who Can't Pay Fines, Court Costs or Related Charges
When the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) suspends someone's driver's license, it is much harder to remain financially independent. Many times the reason for not paying these fines and other charges is not having the money to do so. A little-known Iowa law can help with this problem.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Help With Pension Problems
Iowa Legal Aid is now part of the Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project. The Project provides free pension counseling, claims assistance, and counseling to help people collect pension benefits and improve their standard of living.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
How to Use Small Claims Court
(Separate Website)
This Manual has been prepared to assist persons who want to sue or defend themselves in Small Claims Court in Iowa without hiring a lawyer. It outlines the basic steps involved in bringing and defending a small claims action and answers some basic questions for the person who chooses to "go it alone."
By: Iowa State Bar Association
Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs - Free or Low Cost Medications
Having a tough time stretching your budget to pay for expensive medications? A Prescription Drug
Patient Assistance Program may be able to help.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
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
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
Shopping for an Assistive Technology Device
When you need an assistive device, it's a good idea to be sure to get one that works well and does what you need it to do. Learning as much as you can about a device and testing it before you buy can prevent problems. It is worth the time to make sure the device you choose helps gain more independence, better health or a fuller use of your abilities.
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
The New Bankruptcy Law
The aim of the new act is to correct abuse of bankruptcy discharges by people who have the means to pay part or all of their debts and choose bankruptcy instead.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
They Got Their Judgment, Now What Can They Take?
Once someone has a judgment against you, garnishing wages is a common way to try to collect it. There are two limits on how much they can take. One is a per pay period limit. The other is an annual cap.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Wage Payment Collection
Are you having problems collecting wages owed to you or problems not being paid regularly? There is a law in Iowa to help you. It is called the Wage Payment Collection Act. (Chapter 91A, Iowa Code).
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Arabic / العربية
,
Spanish / Español
READ THIS BEFORE USING ANY PART OF THE IOWA LEGAL AID WEBSITE (ILAW) If you cannot afford a lawyer and have a legal problem in Iowa, you may be able to get free legal help. Call Iowa Legal Aid. To find out which office serves your county, call 1-800-532-1275 or 515-243-2151 in the Des Moines calling area. If you are age 60 or over, you may be able to get free legal advice from The Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 1-800-992-8161 or 282-8161 in Des Moines. All numbers are Voice and TTY.
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