DC COVID-19
Resources: Debt and Consumer
Click the links to the left (or "table of contents" above on mobile) to view resources by type.
Contents
Introduction
As wages have fallen and bills have mounted for many DC residents, you may have questions about a consumer debt issue during or in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
Below are information and resources regarding debt collection, credit card/credit reports, car payments, COVID-19 stimulus payments, utility bills, student loans, financial hardships, and COVID-19 scams. As of September 23, 2021, new debt lawsuits can be filed in DC and debts can be collected from bank accounts and wage garnishments.
If you believe a business has taken advantage of you or other D.C. residents, you can make a Consumer Protection Complaint online here or call (202)442-9829.
Free financial navigators are available to help you make financial plans and refer callers to assistance programs they may qualify for.
Resources
- Debt Collection Protections During the COVID-19 Emergency (Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia)
- Protect Your Credit Report From COVID-19 Harms (Tzedek DC, Legal Counsel for the Elderly and Neighborhood Legal Services Program)
- Consumer Alert: Beware of Coronavirus Scams (D.C. Office of the Attorney General)
- Comprehensive Consumer Alert Protect yourself from scams, price gouging, discrimination, and to get information about workers’ rights to paid sick leave (D.C. Office of the Attorney General)
- Free Financial Navigator Services (DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking): Free financial navigators are available to help you make financial plans and refer callers to assistance programs they may qualify for.
Debt Collection
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DC Debt Collection Defense Hotline – 202-851-3387 (A project of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia and Tzedek DC in collaboration with Catholic Charities Legal Network, the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center’s Consumer Law Resource Center, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, and Neighborhood Legal Services Program)
Consumer Law (security deposits, home improvement/contractor disputes, auto repair disputes, scams/unfair trade practices)
- Catholic Charities Legal Network (202-350-4305) (website)
- Consumer Law Resource Center (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center) Temporary Phone Line (202-780-2574) (website)
- Legal Counsel for the Elderly (60+ only) (202-434-2120) (website)
- Neighborhood Legal Services Program (202-832-6577) (website)
- Tzedek DC (202-274-7386) (website)
Small Claims
- Small Claims Resource Center (a project of Neighborhood Legal Services Program) (202-832-6577) (website)
Legal Clinics & Resource Centers Calendar
Check out our calendar of legal clinics and resource centers