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Do you have debt you can't afford to pay?
Are You Receiving Social Security, Pension or Disability Income?
WE CAN HELP.
HELPS is a nonprofit law firm and 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We serve senior citizens and disabled persons struggling with debt.
Call HELPS now to learn how your retirement income is protected by law and how we can help.
Thank you for your information.
Need immediate help? Call 855-435-7787 to speak to a HELPS representative.
Living Without A Bank Account
For Senior Citizens, Bank Accounts Are Not Always A Necessary Evil.
Patrick recently moved to a different state. He went in to open a checking account and was told he could not. His income, after Medicare deductions was $1425 in Social Security. The bank explained that his former credit union had entered him into company called “Check Systems” because his account had been closed due to an overdraft. Because he was frustrated, Patrick called HELPS to find out if there was anything he could do.
I regularly speak with many senior citizens who have questions about bank accounts. Many have problems with overdraft bank fees. Some owe debt and worry about their bank account being garnished. There is a federal banking regulation that instructs banks that twice the amount of a persons monthly social security deposited into a bank account is automatically protected from garnishment no matter the source of the monies in the account at the time. E.G., if a person's social security was $1500, then $3000 in the account to which social security is deposited is protected from garnishment.
A senior on social security may not need a bank account. Almost everyone accepts debit cards these days. Almost all regular monthly bills can be paid by debit card by phone or online. You can even use a debit card to get a cashiers check on the rare occasion you might actually need a check. Your social security can now be received directly onto a debit card that is not attached to any bank account. There is no cost to join and no monthly fees. Here is a link to a Social Security website that describes the Direct Express card program: Direct Express Program
Learn More About Other Issues and What HELPS Can Do For You.
Information
Helps Nonprofit Law Firm is legal representation retained specifically to stop collectors from harassing our clients by phone or mail. HELPS does not give legal advice pertaining to the state where you live. If any of our clients need a local attorney where they live we will assist the client in obtaining an attorney willing to help them on a pro bono basis. HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm never turns down a qualified seniors in need.
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Newsletters
Our Newsletter is designed to inform, empower and educate seniors and disabled persons about their rights. From helpful budget tips to how to gain access to helpful services, we write our newsletter with the simple goal of bettering our clients' lives.
- HELPS Newsletter Summer 2019
- HELPS Newsletter Spring 2019
- HELPS Newsletter Winter 2018
- HELPS Newsletter Fall 2018
- HELPS Newsletter Summer 2018
- HELPS Newsletter Spring 2018
- HELPS Newsletter Fall 2017
- HELPS Newsletter Spring 2016
- HELPS Newsletter Summer 2015
- HELPS Newsletter Fall 2015
- HELPS Newsletter Fall 2014
- HELPS Newsletter Winter 2013