Procedimentos de Queja
Última Actualización: July 16, 2026
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Asalto Sexual y Recursos Civiles Legales
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Having a Voice and Making a Choice in Where Your Child Goes to School
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Prescription Drug 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...
What Filing Status Do I Use for my Taxes?
Your filing status can influence the amount of the standard deduction, the amount of tax, and the amount of or eligibility...
Razones por las que los propietarios podrían negarle a usted su solicitud de alquiler
Los propietarios podrían declinar alquilarle a usted por muchas razones diferentes. Las más comunes son: desalojos previos...
Resolviendo los problemas familiares con mediación
Muchas personas de Iowa sólo tienen contacto con el sistema judicial cuando tienen un problema con las leyes de familia....
Termination of Parental Rights
What Are "Parental Rights"? When you have "parental rights" to a child, you are that child's parent in the eyes of the law....
Subsidio de Medicaid para cuidados en residencias de ancianos
Muchas personas dependen de Medicaid, también conocido como Title 19, para pagar por sus cuidados en residencias de...
Licensing Your Vehicle
If you buy a used vehicle from a licensed auto dealer, the dealer will take care of licensing and registration of the...
Emeritus Attorney Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in becoming an emeritus attorney with Iowa Legal Aid. Your help in providing legal...
Política de Privacidad de Internet
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How do I get my stuff back? What to know about replevin cases in Iowa
What is "replevin?" Most of the time, lawsuits people file ask a court to give someone money to compensate them for...
Preguntas y respuestas para arrendatarios sobre las chinches
Aunque se pensaba que prácticamente se habían eliminado en los EE. UU., las chinches han vuelto a convertirse en un...
Home Insurance Issues
How can I make sure I get my insurance company to pay? You first have to make a claim. You may have claims under...
Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery
There is a form of slavery happening throughout the country called human trafficking. Human trafficking is when a...
Protecting What Matters Most
Molly faced a challenge common to many seniors: her husband’s health was failing, and he needed long-term care.
Labor Trafficking in Agriculture
What is labor trafficking? The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines labor trafficking as the...
Should You Take Your Pension In A Lump Sum?
Some companies may offer to cash out the pensions of certain retirees and instead give them one lump-sum payment. ...
Benefits for Seniors
BenefitsCheckUp is a tool that will tell you if you can get federal, state and some local private and public benefits for...
Lifeline Discounted Phone Program
There is a program called Lifeline that helps low-income Iowans pay for basic telephone or internet service. Lifeline...
Disasters Happen
In Iowa, natural disasters happen every year. Ice storms and blizzards can occur in the winter. Tornadoes, severe storms,...
Education and Schools After A Disaster
Many school-age children are displaced by disasters. They have all the rights federal law gives to children who have lost...
Orden de custodia para padres con casos CINA abiertos
Los padres involucrados en casos abiertos de Menor con Necesidad de Asistencia (CINA, por sus siglas en inglés) tienen una...
Custody Order for Parents with Open CINA Cases
Parents involved in open Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases have a way to get a court to order permanent custody,...
Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-770-1650
The Iowa Domestic Violence Hotline originates from the Iowa Victim Services Call Center. Their website...
Trata Laboral en la Agricultura
¿Qué es la trata laboral? La Ley federal de Protección a las Víctimas de la Trata define la trata laboral como el...
Settle your Tax debt for Cents on the Dollar
This is a common phrase you hear on television ads. There are a number of tax settlement firms that advertize on TV....
Is Your Social Security Safe from Debt Collectors?
Is Your Social Security Safe from Debt Collectors? With several important exceptions, your social security check is safe or...
Asistencia Alimenticia en caso de desastre (cupones de alimentación)
Tengo una tarjeta de Transferencia de Beneficios Electrónicos (EBT) de Iowa. ¿Puedo usarla en otro estado donde me quedo?...
Bullying in Iowa
Many parents and providers are unsure of what rights their children may have if their child has been bullied at school....
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Elderly Waiver Program Keeps People Out of Nursing Homes
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Many people worry about how they will pay for nursing home care if it becomes necessary. The Iowa Department of...
El Proceso de Apelación de FEMA
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What is a Limited Benefit Plan? If you are receiving cash benefits from the Family Investment Program (FIP), there are...
Renter’s Insurance
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Have You Applied for a Waiver of School Fees?
School fees can really add up. If you have more than one child in school, the fees can come to hundreds of dollars. Many...
Shopping for Credit
To many people, the holidays are a time for giving. That often means buying; and when money is short, people consider...
Disaster Struck My Rental Property, Now What?
In a disaster, time can seem to move both too slowly for some things and too fast for others. If you have been...
Violencia Doméstica y Los Inmigrantes
¿Qué es “violencia doméstica”? La violencia doméstica es un tipo de abuso en que una persona utiliza varios métodos o...
Beneficios de Desempleo
Si pierde su trabajo, usted pudiera calificar por beneficios de desempleo. Para ser elegible por beneficios de...
Finding a Nursing Home
No one wants to go to a nursing home if they can live safely in their own home. However, if you require health...
El reembolso de FEMA
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Odometer Fraud
Making sure the odometer is correct is an important part of getting the facts about a car before you buy it. Odometer...
Can the School Make Me Get a Guardianship in Order to Enroll Children I Am Taking Care Of?
Sometimes, parents are unable to take care of their kids. The parents may have died, or be ill or absent. When parents...
Programa de exención para mantener a personas mayores fuera de las residencias de ancianos
¿Qué es el programa de exención para personas mayores? Iowa tiene un programa de Medicaid para ayudar a la gente que...
Fair Housing Laws Protect Immigrants
Imagine you and your family are looking for an apartment. You see an ad that looks promising. The location is good, and the...
Annulment
What is it? An annulment is a court order to undo a marriage that was not valid, not allowed, illegal or voidable for other...
Soy un trabajador de H-2A. ¿Debe mi empleador retener impuestos de mi pago?
Soy un trabajador con visa H-2A. ¿Debería mi empleador retener impuestos de mi sueldo? En los Estados Unidos Hay un dicho...
Am I an “Employee” or “Independent Contractor” and Why It Really Matters
When you are an employee? Your employer must pay ½ of your Social Security and Medicare taxes. This equals 7.65% of your...
Reasons Landlords Might Deny Your Rental Application
Landlords might refuse to rent to you for various reasons. Common ones are: prior evictions on your record, criminal...
Individual Education Plans
Children with disabilities have rights under federal and Iowa laws. The main law is the Individuals with Disabilities...
Don’t Make Things Difficult For Those You Love–Plan Ahead
The Importance of Legal Planning It is important to plan ahead for your family and loved ones to help in illness or to deal...
Iowa’s County Veterans Relief Program
If you are a veteran, you might be able to get financial help from the county in which you live. Each county must have a...
Do I Have to Sell or Liquidate All of My Assets to Qualify for Medicaid?
Most Medicaid programs have an asset or “resource” limit. Many assets or resources, however, are “exempt,” meaning...
My only income is Social Security. Do I have to pay any taxes on my benefits?
It depends. The IRS looks at your total income to determine if your Social Security benefits are taxable. It also depends...
¿Qué Son las Políticas de la Escuela de su Hijo?
La mayoría de los padres ayudan a sus hijos a prepararse para la escuela al conseguir sus artículos escolares y la ropa de...
Garnishment in Iowa
What is garnishment? Garnishment is when your money is taken from someone other than you to pay a court judgment. For...
What do I do if I didn’t get my W-2 or the W-2 I got has errors?
Employers are supposed to issue W-2’s to their employees by January 31st after the end of the calendar year. What if I...
Claim All the Tax Credits You Earned: What the Earned Income Credit Can Do for You at Tax Time!
What the Earned Income Credit Can Do for You at Tax Time! How Much Can I Get? If you have qualifying children, you can get...
Creditor Threats – Are They for Real?
Health problems, job loss, the death of a spouse and other events can make it hard to pay your bills. Creditors and debt...
Prioritize Your Insurance Needs
Insurance helps protect you from loss when things go wrong. For example, if a tree fell on your car and you couldn’t drive...
How Do the Police Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse?
Often, police or other law enforcement officers respond to calls for help and have contact with domestic abuse victims in...
Niños Tienen Derechos a la Educación
Todos los niños, sin importar su estado migratorio, tienen el derecho a asistir a escuelas públicas sin coste. La Corte...
How Social Media Can Be Used Against People in Family Law Cases
Some of the most popular places on the Internet are social media sites. It is easy for people to create their own pages and...
Housing and Land Contracts
Everyone has the legal right to decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Farmworkers are protected by state and federal laws...
Iowa Legal Aid Helps Sioux City Resident Keep Critical Disability Benefits
Iowa Legal Aid represented “Ryan,” a man with a serious mental illness who has received social security income (SSI) since...
Debts “Written Off” May Count as Taxable Income
Many people do not know that having a debt "written off" or forgiven may count as taxable income. When income is taxable,...
Grandparent Visitation in Iowa
In Iowa, a grandparent or great-grandparent can ask a court to grant visitation with their grandchildren or...
Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits
Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits for Iowans who are Elderly or Have a Disability Each year, Iowans who are...
Signer Beware! The Pitfalls of Nursing Home Agreements
Information Every day, elderly Iowans enter nursing homes for the first time. For some, it's a temporary stay to recover...
Risks of Paying Bills Online
It wasn’t that long ago when most of us would sit down at our desks or kitchen tables, gather all of the bills that...
Immigrants and the Affordable Care Act’s Health Care Marketplace
Having health insurance coverage in the United States is important. Unfortunately, many families are unable to get health...
Domestic Violence and Immigrants
What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse in which one individual uses tactics to control...
Which State Can Make Decisions about Guardianships and Conservatorships?
Iowa has the power to appoint a guardian or conservator if Iowa is the "home state" of the respondent to a guardianship or...
Listas de Espera y Viviendas Públicas
Pregunta: Yo he solicitado un vale, pero es posible que tome dos años o más antes que mi nombre aparezca. ¿Qué puedo...
Legal Aid Helps Women Experiencing Violence
Iowa Legal Aid helps clients who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Iowa Legal Aid gives civil legal help in...
Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST)
There is a health care form in Iowa for patients making decisions about end of life health care treatment. The form is...
Food Stamps and Immigrants
The Food Assistance Program helps prevent hunger in America. This program helps buy food in stores, at farmers’ markets,...
Can They Repossess My Car?
Sometimes a car buyer cannot make payments. He or she stops paying the amount the contract requires. The borrower (person...
Malentendidos sobre Matrimonio por Derecho Consuetudinario (Matrimonio Consensual)
Ser casados les da a un hombre y una mujer ciertos derechos legales. Muchos de estos derechos legales no son importantes...
What Is a Living Will?
A living will is a written document authorizing health care providers to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in...
Pasaportes y Custodia de los Hijos
¿Necesito la custodia para tramitar el pasaporte de mi hijo? Hay reglas especiales para obtener un pasaporte para un niño...
Veterans’ Issues Fact Sheet: VA Compensation
Are you a Veteran with a disability or other health problem related to your service? You may be eligible for VA...
Informes y registros de abuso de menores
¿Qué se considera abuso de menores en Iowa? Las siguientes acciones se consideran abuso de menores en Iowa: el abuso...
Inmigrantes y Cupones para Alimentos
Asistencia Alimentaria e Inmigrantes El Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria ayuda a prevenir el hambre en los Estados...
Urgent Assistance for Migrant Workers
There may be immigration consequences to enrolling in a public benefits program. If you or a family member is concerned...
Law Lets Schools Help Fight Homelessness
Each year, many children experience homelessness or near-homelessness. These children are more likely to experience hunger...
Sexual Assault and Civil Legal Remedies
What is sexual assault? Sexual assault can happen in many different ways. At its core, sexual assault is a sex act done by...
Iowa Legal Aid Attorney Teaches Poverty Law Practicum
Earlier this year, Iowa Legal Aid Managing Attorney Ericka Petersen taught a Poverty Law Practicum at the University of...
Tax refunds for 2022 are going, going, almost gone…
"Don't lose your refund! Tax refunds for 2022 are going, going, almost gone..." Tax time is almost here! If you have not...
Accommodations for Veterans With Disabilities
Hundreds of thousands of people in our country have served in the global war on terrorism. Hundreds of thousands more still...
Appealing a Managed Care Organization (MCO) Decision
Iowa Medicaid has switched to Managed Care. Almost everyone who has Medicaid in Iowa is now assigned to a Managed...
Veterans’ Issues Fact Sheet: VA Pensions
VA Pensions Are you a Veteran with a disability or other health problem NOT related to your service? You may be eligible...
Help With Pension Problems
Iowa Legal Aid can help Iowans who are entitled to receive pensions based on their work history or the work history of...
HHS Overpayments
Sometimes a person who is receiving a public benefit (like FIP, food assistance (SNAP), or Medicaid) from Iowa’s Department...
Actualizar su presentación de impuestos no tiene que ser difícil
Me atrasé en la presentación de mis declaraciones de impuestos y deseo ponerme al día. ¿Cómo lo hago? El IRS tiene...
Food Assistance: Helping Families Have Enough to Eat
The goal of the Food Assistance Program is to help you put more food on your table. The program is designed for you and...
Préstamos del Día de Pago – ¡Una Conveniencia que no Puede Pagar!
Muchas personas de Iowa, incluyendo a personas de la tercera edad, están esperando por los préstamos del "Día de Pago" para...
Questions and Answers About Adoption
What do I need to do to put my baby up for adoption? The mother will need to use an adoption agency or attorney in order to...
Legal Rights of Agricultural Workers
Legal protections for migrant and seasonal workers: The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act...
Soy un “Empleador” o un “Contratista Independiente” y Por Qué Importa
Cuando eres un empleado… Su empleador debe pagar ½ de sus impuestos de Seguro Social y de Medicare. Esto equivale a 7.65%...
Beware of Bad Tax Advice and Unreliable Return Preparation
We have all heard the saying that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Well, this saying certainly can apply...
Issues in Running Your Small Business
The easiest to overlook issues sometimes cause the biggest headaches. If any of the following scenarios seem familiar...
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is an Iowa law. It says which state's courts can make...
Denegar vivienda a los sobrevivientes de la violencia doméstica puede ser una violación de las Leyes
Todo el mundo encuentra difícil encontrar una vivienda decente y económica. Es posible que mujeres que son sobrevivientes...
Las cortes y agencias deben proporcionar intérpretes para las personas que no hablan inglés
Cada día se presentan muchas demandas legales. Las personas involucradas en una demanda legal se pueden sentir preocupadas...
Iowa Legal Aid Helps Resolve Roof and Insurance Dispute After Derecho
[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_text] Iowa Legal Aid assisted “Michael,” an Iowa homeowner whose roof was severely damaged...
Demandas por Tarjetas de Crédito
Me han Demandado por la Deuda de una Tarjeta de Crédito. ¿Qué Debo Hacer? Cuando a usted se le entrega una notificación de...
Deudas “canceladas” pueden contar como ingreso imponible
Muchas personas no saben que tener una deuda "cancelada" o perdonada puede contar como ingreso imponible. Cuando un ingreso...
What Can I Do When I Owe Taxes, Court Debt or Other Debts to the State of Iowa?
You cannot register your car. Your operator, hunting, or professional license has been suspended. The state is garnishing...
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...
It is Illegal for Someone to Force you to Work or Have Sex
- Has anyone ever made you work when you couldn’t or charged you a fee for finding a job? - Has your supervisor ever...
Problemas comunes para cumplir con los requisitos de los beneficios por desempleo
La pérdida repentina de un trabajo puede ser devastadora. Los ingresos del trabajo se han ido, pero todavía hay que pagar...
Don’t Let a Legal Question Turn Into a Legal Problem
Nip it in the Bud! Legal questions ignored can turn a small problem into a big problem. If you put your head in the sand...
Social Security after a Disaster
What if I did not get my latest Social Security or SSI benefits? If you live in a disaster area, ask your local post office...
¿Cómo consigo que mi propietario haga reparaciones?
La mayoría de la gente sabe que si usted es un inquilino y no paga la renta, el propietario puede desalojarle. Pero, ¿qué...
Cómo conseguir una licencia de conducir restringida temporal (TRL)
¿Quién necesita una TRL? Muchas personas necesitan una licencia de conducir restringida temporal (TRL, por sus siglas en...
What Happens When People Getting Social Security Disability Benefits Have Earned Income
Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability and SSI benefits from Social Security? Not everyone who gets...
Cómo Modificar una Orden de Custodia
Bob y Betty tienen dos hijos: Charlie y Claire. Betty tiene la custodia de los hijos y Bob puede visitarlos cada dos fines...
2025 Iowa Legal Aid Impact
Each and every year, Iowa Legal Aid helps low-income individuals and families access legal representation, advice, and...
FEMA Recoupment
What is FEMA Recoupment? After a disaster happens, FEMA tries to give people help as soon as they can. They often do this...
Immigration and Citizenship
Obtaining legal immigration status. The most common way that an agricultural worker and his/her family can obtain legal...
H-2A Workers and Tax Withholding
In the U.S. there is a very common saying: “There are two things that are certain, death and paying taxes.” Most people who...
Obteniendo Asistencia Médica
¿Dónde puedo obtener ayuda para pagar la atención médica en Iowa? Muchas personas necesitan ayuda para pagar la atención...
Fathers’ Rights in Unmarried Situations
Becoming a father is a great experience. With the joy of a new child, come many new duties.Parents make many decisions...
FEMA Appeals Process
What if I do not agree with the amount of money that FEMA is going to give me? After you file your FEMA application, FEMA...
Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program
After a disaster happens, the Iowa governor can issue a state disaster declaration for a county or group of counties. ...
Su Salud en Los Campos
Los Pesticidas Los trabajadores del campo y sus familias pueden estar en contacto frecuente con exposición a los...
Mi único ingreso es el Seguro Social. ¿Tengo que pagar impuestos sobre mis beneficios?
Eso depende. El Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS, por sus siglas en inglés) revisa sus ingresos totales para determinar...
Asuntos de Seguro
¿Cómo puedo asegurar que mi compañía de seguro pagará? Primero tiene que hacer una reclamación. Usted puede tener...
Accidents with No (or Not Enough) Car Insurance
I was in a car accident that wasn’t my fault, but I didn’t have car insurance (or my insurance didn't cover the claimed...
Lista de verificación de los documentos de desastre
NO ARRIESGUE SU VIDA DEJANDO PARA ULTIMO MINUTO LA COLECTA DE DOCUMENTOS Y OTROS ARTICULOS. Reúna todo con antelación...
What Are The Policies at Your Child’s School?
Most parents help their children get ready for school by getting their school supplies and gym clothes ready each fall. A...
Divorcio en Iowa sin abogado
A mucha gente le preocupa el costo de contratar a un abogado cuando decide divorciarse en Iowa. El Tribunal Supremo de Iowa...
¿Cómo puedo llenar mi W-4?
Cuando empieza a trabajar usted necesitará llenar un formulario para determinar la cantidad de impuestos que va a estar...
Como las Leyes de Inmigración afectan a víctimas inmigrantes de la violencia doméstica
Alicia vino a Iowa en 1982. Ella está casada a un residente legal permanente. Su marido le dijo que ella tenía que tener...
Warranties
Federal law requires dealers to put a "Buyer's Guide" sticker on used cars. The Buyer's Guide tells you if there is a...
Facing Foreclosure? Tips to Help Restructure Debt and Deal with Mortgage Companies
When the foreclosure process starts or is just around the corner, homeowners must decide whether to stay in the home or...
Safe at Home Program
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other violent crimes are able to sign up for a program to help keep them...
Protegiendo a los ancianos de Iowa del abuso
El abuso de ancianos: qué es y qué se debe hacer Existe una ley que protege a los ancianos de Iowa del abuso. La ley amplía...
How Can I Use My FEMA Money?
A disaster damaged your home. You applied for FEMA help. FEMA will meet with you and inspect your home. ...
Landlord Notices of Clear and Present Danger-Protections for Victims of Domestic or Sex Abuse
Special Protections for Victims of Domestic and/or Sex Abuse For a survivor of domestic abuse, getting a protective order...
El Ausentismo Escolar
Los niños pueden faltar a la escuela por muchas razones. Es posible que los niños estén enfermos, tengan miedo de sufrir...
Rural Justice Project for Older Iowans
Iowa Legal Aid is seeking potential clients (ages 60+), agency partners, and educational opportunities to inform about...
Su Salud en el Lugar de Trabajo
Compensación por incapacidad de trabajo (indemnización por trabajadores que resultan lastimados en el lugar de trabajo) le...
La suspensión de impuestos a la propiedad para las personas que reciben Ingresos de Seguridad Suplementaria (SSI)
Muchas personas con una incapacidad son dueños o están en el proceso de comprar su casa. Es posible que les sea difícil...
Resolving Family Law Problems Through Mediation
Many Iowans' only contact with the court system is when a family law problem arises. There may be a divorce or custody...
Protecting Elderly Iowans from Abuse
Elder Abuse - What It Is and What to Do About It There is a law protecting elderly Iowans against abuse. The law...
Teens Rights in Your Dating Relationship
You have many rights in your relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend. You have the right to spend time with your...
Disaster Declarations – State and Federal
Extreme weather happens every year in Iowa. Disaster declarations are made for everything from blizzards and...
Los Derechos de los Trabajadores “H-2A”
El programa federal H-2A permite que los patrones agrícolas estadounidenses emplean a trabajadores de otros países con un...
Child Support Questions and Answers
Who makes child support orders? Orders for child support are established using either an administrative process or a court...
Preguntas y respuestas sobre el tribunal de menores
Los Tribunales de Menores generalmente se ocupan de casos relacionados con niños menores de dieciocho años.¿Qué tipos de...
A Path to Safety for Natasha and Her Five Children
Iowa Legal Aid represented Natasha, a domestic abuse survivor, and her five children through our Waterloo Regional Office...
Dealing With Medical Debt
Illness and injury can cause stress in our lives. When illness and injury lead to medical bills not covered by health...
Iowa Legal Aid’s Justice Bus Hits the Road to Help Disaster Survivors & Rural Areas
Iowa Legal Aid recently launched its new Justice Bus, a mobile law office bringing free legal services to rural and...
Debts Owed to Federal Government Can Be Collected Through Social Security Benefit Checks
Social Security Benefits Subject to Offset to Collect Non-Tax Federal Debts The U.S. Department of Treasury and Social...
Guardianship and Conservatorship: Words to Know
Agent –in a power of attorney, it means the person who gets the power to act on behalf of the principal. Authority – the...
Disaster Resources
General Disaster Assistance: Disaster Self-Help Toolkit by Iowa Legal Aid. English version. Spanish version. The...
60 Month Lifetime Limit on FIP Benefits
The Family Investment Program (FIP) is what Iowa calls its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare...
How to Talk to a Lawyer
Tips to get the most time out of talking to an attorney. When clients walk into our office or call us on the phone, we...
Iowa Legal Aid Disaster Legal Assistance Mobile App
Iowa Legal Aid Disaster Legal Assistance Mobile App Available in the iTunes and Google Play Stores Here: Download app for...
Hawki Insurance for Children
Hawki is a health insurance program for children in Iowa. It covers some children whose household income is too high for...
Know How to Hold it – Pros and Cons of Certain Types of Property Ownership
The manner in which you own your property can have important consequences. The common forms of ownership are sole...
Cómo hacer cambios al acta de nacimiento de su hijo en Iowa
Esta información es para alguien que nació en Iowa. Mi nombre o el nombre de mi bebé está escrito incorrectamente en el...
Changing Your Name in Iowa
If you would like to legally change your or your child’s name, there are certain steps you must take. These steps...
Iowa’s Health Insurance Marketplace
What is Iowa’s Health Insurance Marketplace? Iowa’s Health Insurance Marketplace was created by the Affordable Care Act as...
Divorce Questions and Answers
What should I know about divorce in Iowa? How long must I live in Iowa before I can file for a divorce? Should I separate...
Lost Pension Plans
Question: I worked for ABC Company for about 15 years from 1995 to 2010. It had a pension plan and when I left they...
Alternatives to Guardianship and Conservatorship
Many people have situations where a family member may need help with decisions or daily activities, such as paying bills or...
Attorney, Court, and Guardianship or Conservatorship Fees
There are costs associated with bringing a guardianship or conservatorship case. There are filing fees and other court...
Iowa Legal Aid Pilots New Approach to Prevent Homelessness
Iowa Legal Aid was recently selected by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) as a winner of its second annual Innovation in...
From Sleepless Nights to Peace of Mind
Dennis and Pricilla moved to western Iowa from California in 2007, buying a home before their California house sold.
Credit Card Lawsuits
I have been sued for a credit card debt. What do I need to do? When you are served with a lawsuit, you will have 20 days...
Educación y las Escuelas
Muchas personas de edad escolar han sido desplazadas por las inundaciones de 2008. Estas personas tienen todos los derechos...
Doctor-Patient Privilege In Civil Court Cases
"A practicing. . . counselor, physician,. . .[or] mental health profaessional, . . . who obtains information by reason of...
Divorce in Iowa Without an Attorney
Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer when deciding whether to get divorced in Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court...
Active Disaster Declarations in Iowa
On April 6, 2026, the Governor issued a disaster declaration for Wapello County in response to severe weather that occurred...
Tenants: Protect Yourself in Rental Agreements
When clients come into our office due to a landlord-tenant dispute, one of the first questions we ask them is what kind of...
Preparativos de Arreglos de Funeral – Pros y Contras
Hay muchas ventajas al planear y pagar por su funeral por adelantado. Preparativos de arreglos de funeral necesitados le...
How to Make Changes to Your Child’s Iowa Birth Certificate
This information is for someone who was born in Iowa. My name or my baby's name is spelled wrong on the Iowa birth...
Iowa Legal Aid launches mobile law office for disaster response
Watch the video and read the full article from KCRG below.
The Fair Labor Standards Act Helps Farmworks & Other Workers Get Their Fair Pay
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and other...
Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements – Pros and Cons
There are many advantages to planning and paying for your funeral in advance. Pre-need funeral arrangements let you choose...
El Ausentismo Escolar
Los niños pueden faltar a la escuela por muchas razones. Es posible que los niños estén enfermos, tengan miedo de sufrir...
Pension Rights: Mergers and Acquisitions
Question: I work for a company with a defined benefit pension plan that just announced it would merge into...
Illegal Debt Collection Conduct
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, known at the "FDCPA," requires collection agencies to take certain actions:...
Repossession: The Rules a Creditor Must Follow to Take Your Personal Property
A "creditor" is someone you owe money. Sometimes a creditor can "repossess" your personal property if you do not pay...
Payday Loans – a Convenience You Can’t Afford!
Many Iowans, including elderly Iowans, are relying on "Payday" loans to help make ends meet. (Sometimes these loans are...
Landlord and Tenant Law Questions and Answers
Got Questions About Your Rights as a Renter in Iowa? Whether you’re facing eviction, struggling with repairs, or...
Financial Matters for Older Iowans
Many older Iowans may find themselves in unfamiliar territory when it comes to financial matters, especially after the...
Determining if Guardianship or Conservatorship is Necessary
Is a guardianship or conservatorship needed? Family members often take on informal decision-making roles for a...
Need Help With Medicare Expenses? Check Out the QMB and SLMB Programs
The State of Iowa offers the QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) and SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary)...
Adult Guardianship and the Right to Communicate
Adults Under Guardianships Have Rights Too A person under a guardianship is called the protected person. The person who...
Asuntos Financieros de los Residentes de Tercera Edad de Iowa
Muchos residentes mayores de Iowa se pueden encontrar en una situación desconocida con los asuntos financieros,...
Tipos de notificaciones de propietarios
Los propietarios casi siempre tienen que entregar una notificación por escrito al inquilino antes de presentar un caso de...
Child Abuse Reports and Registries
What is considered child abuse in Iowa? The following actions are child abuse in Iowa: physical abuse, mental injury,...
Frequently Asked Questions about Guardianships and Conservatorships
Why would I need a guardianship or conservatorship? People in different situations may need a guardian or conservator: Some...
Asistencia de Emergencia para los Trabajadores del Campo
Si usted o sus familiares necesiten asistencia urgente, las siguientes organizaciones les pueden ayudar: EL DEPARTAMENTO...
La Compra de Una Casa
Algunas personas que compran una casa piden préstamo del banco u otra entidad crediticia. El vendedor cobra en su...
Conducta Ilegal en la Recaudación de Deudas
La Acta de Recaudación Justa de Deudas y Practicas de Colección (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), una ley federal...
Beware of Tax Scammers
Scammers saying they are IRS employees may try to scare taxpayers with harassing telephone calls or messages. The callers...
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
You have the right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of sex...
Important Credit Card Protections
The CARD Act of 2009 gives consumers who use credit cards and gift cards many protections. Advance Notice of Changes in an...
Paying Back an Overpayment of Unemployment Benefits
Sometimes you get unemployment benefits when you are not supposed to. You will have to pay them back. How can this...
Food Assistance in a Disaster (Food Stamps)
I have a food stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card from Iowa. Can I use it in another state where I am staying?...
I Lost My House and Now I Owe Taxes?
My home was foreclosed on. I just got a statement from the bank saying I have to report income because of the foreclosure....
¡Todavía puede reclamar sus pagos de estímulo!
Primer y segundo cheque de estímulo Si no recibió ninguno de los dos primeros pagos de estímulo ($1200 por adulto/$500 por...
Child Support Recipients May Have Funds Available for Withdrawal
Recipients of child support may be unaware that there are funds available for withdrawal through a process called...
What Should I Do If I Get Court Papers?
Most people are afraid when they get court papers. Here is some advice on the court system and what to do if you get court...
Perdí mi casa y ¿ahora debo impuestos por ella?
Ejecutaron la hipoteca de mi casa. Acabo de recibir un informe bancario que dice que debo declarar mis ingresos debido a la...
Consumer Title Loans
Before the Iowa Legislature changed the law in 2007, car title loans were a very expensive way to borrow money. Now the law...
Representación Limitada (servicios jurídicos desagregados)
¿Qué es la representación limitada? A veces se refiere como: Representación Limitada Servicio limitado Representación legal...
Paying for Utilities
Utility bills can strain the budgets of many Iowans. This is especially true for Iowans who are elderly or have a...
Los inmigrantes y el mercado de atención médica de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Costo
Tener cobertura de seguro médico en los Estados Unidos es importante. Desafortunadamente, muchas familias no pueden obtener...
2024 Iowa Legal Aid Impact by County
Hope. Dignity. Justice. These values come to life every day at Iowa Legal Aid, where we stand alongside Iowans facing some...
Housing Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Anyone may have a hard time finding a rental unit he or she can afford. There is not enough low- and moderate-income...
Paternity Fraud
Before You Tell Him He’s The Father…. An Iowa Supreme Court case says a man could bring a law suit in the following...
LIHEAP Rules Require Social Security Numbers and Protect Deployed Servicemembers
Community Action Programs continue to help low-income Iowans pay home heating bills with "LIHEAP" or Low-Income Home Energy...
Colección del Pago del Sueldo
¿ Usted tiene problemas coleccionando el sueldo debido o problemas de no ser pagado regularmente? Hay una ley en el estado...
Beware of Free Trial Offers
Some consumers get charged for products or services and don't even know it. This happens especially with "free trial...
Funeral Planning
Your funeral may be one of the most expensive consumer purchases you or your family ever makes. Most people, however, do...
Ley de Propietarios e Inquilinos Cuestiones y Respuestas
¿Están todos los alquileres de casas cubiertos por la misma ley de Iowa? No. La mayoría de alquileres normales están...
The Family and Medical Leave Act
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid,...
Juvenile Record Causing Problems? How “Sealing” Can Help
How do you get a juvenile record? You may have a juvenile record if you were accused of doing something illegal when you...
Taxes and Marriage
When discussing taxes and marriage, there are a few myths to be examined and pitfalls to avoid. Myths Myth 1: I have to...
Iowa’s Domestic Violence Firearm Law
Federal law prohibits firearm possession by those convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor and those subject to a...
Reemplazo de documentos perdidos
Un desastre usualmente ocurre sin previo aviso. La pérdida de documentos importantes es posible durante un...
Veterans’ Issues Fact Sheet: Overpayments
You got a letter from the VA saying you were overpaid. You cannot afford to pay the money back. In fact, you are barely...
New Des Moines Location Effective November 7, 2022
Iowa Legal Aid's New Des Moines Address & Driving Directions: Iowa Legal Aid 666 Walnut Street25th FloorDes Moines, IA...
Mortgage Foreclosures and Land Contract Forfeitures
People are usually not able to pay in full when they buy a home. As a result, most Iowans finance homes through either a...
Be on the Lookout for Tax Preparer Fraud
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous preparers have prepared false claims on tax returns using the promise of large refunds to...
My Refund Was Taken – What Can I Do?
Tax Refunds can be taken by both the state of Iowa Department of Revenue and by the Internal Revenue Service. Your refund...
Preguntas y respuestas sobre violencia doméstica
¿Qué es violencia doméstica? Violencia doméstica es una agresión entre personas en ciertos tipos de relaciones. ¿Qué es...
How to Hire a Good Contractor
A good contractor is the key to a good home repair project. In planning for the project, follow these steps to hire a...
Predatory Lending – Don’t Be a Victim
Iowans should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a "Predatory Lender." Predatory lenders take advantage of...
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Programs
Many Iowans need assistance to meet their health care needs. Sometimes that care must be provided by residential care...
Mobile Homes in Iowa
This resource concerns the purchase of a mobile home and the rental of lot space for a mobile home. If the mobile home...
Do you really need a bankruptcy?
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a process under federal law designed to help people who can no longer afford to pay off the debt...
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. How can I fight...
Las leyes de vivienda justa protegen a los inmigrantes
Imagínese que usted y su familia buscan apartamentos. Usted ve un anuncio que le parece prometedor. Está en un sitio ideal...
I Won My Social Security Disability Case – Now What?
Anyone who has gone through the Social Security disability process knows how hard it is to win disability and SSI...
Legal Separation – Separating Before Divorce
Why should I consider a separation from my spouse before I file for a divorce? A separation could provide insight into how...
Buying a House
Some people who buy a home borrow the money from a bank or other lender. The seller gets paid in full for the property, and...
Did You Pay For Divorce Forms?
Iowa has free self help forms for a divorce with or without minor children and for custody cases. You can find the forms on...
Get Your FREE Credit Report
www.annualcreditreport.com Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free...
El número de identificación personal del contribuyente o ITIN
¿Por qué debo presentar una declaración de impuestos o pagar impuestos? Aunque muchas personas consideran el pago de...
FEMA Application and Assistance Overview
A Guide to FEMA Assistance FEMA can assist with temporary housing, repair or replacement costs, and other disaster needs...
Your Health in the Workplace
Workers’ disability compensation (compensation to workers who are injured in the workplace) will pay you if you are injured...
Servicios de salud mental en caso de desastre natural
Con frecuencia los desastres naturales pueden ocurrir sin previo aviso. De un momento para otro, un individuo puede...
Criminal No Contact Orders and Civil Protection Orders
A lot of what we know about the law we learn from television. We know that the police arrest people and charge them...
Prairie Meadows Awards Legacy Grant to Iowa Legal Aid to Support Housing Stability in Central Iowa
Iowa Legal Aid received a Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows to help low-income Central Iowans remain safely housed by...
Órdenes penales de alejamiento y órdenes civiles de protección
Mucho de lo que aprendemos de la ley es de la televisión. Sabemos que la policía arresta a personas y les ponen cargos...
Financing a Used Car
When you're looking for a new used vehicle, there are several places to shop. Franchised new car dealers have newer used...
Life After a Juvenile Record
Juvenile Record Causing Problems? How "Sealing" Can Help, gives an overview of juvenile records and what steps a...
Contratos de Vivienda y Terreno
Todos trabajadores tienen el derecho a una vivienda digna, higiénica y segura. Hay leyes estatales y federales que protegen...
Buying a Used Car
Buying a car is a necessity for many, but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming process. Keep reading for some tips...
How to Recognize Employment Discrimination
In Iowa, most workers are "at the will" of the boss. This means the boss can fire workers at any time. The only time a...
Medicaid Payment for Nursing Home Care
Need Medicaid but your income is too high? You may still qualify with a Miller Trust (Medical Assistance Income Trust)....
Shopping for an Assistive Technology Device
Persons with disabilities may face challenges with everyday tasks like getting around, speaking or reading. "Assistive...
Embargos en Iowa
¿Qué es un embargo? Se produce un embargo cuando se toma su dinero de una persona distinta de usted para pagar una...
Water Service Shutoffs
Water service is an essential service like electricity and gas. These essential services are called "utilities." There are...
Consumers and Bail Bonds
Most people spend very little time thinking about bail bondsmen —up until the moment a loved one lands in jail. When a...
Big Grove Brewery unveils fundraising beer for Iowa Legal Aid
Read the full article from The Daily Iowan below.
Emancipation and Minor Guardianships
Children are not allowed to make their own decisions. Instead, they rely on parents to help them make good decisions....
Ley de tutela de menores de Iowa
Algunas veces, ninguno de los padres puede cuidar de un hijo. Esto podría ser debido a muerte, discapacidad, o alguna otra...
How Can I Get a Civil Protection Order?
What is a Civil Protection Order? A civil protection order is a court order that tells an abuser to stay away from a victim...
Disaster Mental Health Services
Mental Health Resources for Those Affected by Disasters Disasters occur often and generally without notice. In the...
Public and Client Complaint Procedures
Complaint Procedures 2025Download New Address Iowa Legal Aid's central office has moved! Please mail the Complaint...
¿Puedo expurgar mi condena penal de adulto en Iowa?
Adultos y Antecedentes Penales - No Muchos Pueden Eliminar Una Condena Penal de Iowa Eliminación de Antecedentes Penales de...
Preguntas y respuestas sobre manutención de hijos
¿Quién emite las órdenes de manutención de hijos? Las órdenes de manutención de hijos se establecen usando, o bien un...
From Crisis to Stability
Iowa Legal Aid was appointed to represent Ashley after her children were removed due to substance abuse.
Telephone Slamming
Telephone slamming occurs when a telephone company changes your telephone service without your consent. Slamming is...
Custody Questions and Answers
Who has custody when a child is born to an unmarried mother? How is paternity of a child established? What does it mean to...
Mechanic’s Lien
What is a mechanic's lien? If you make an agreement with someone to do work on your property, that person is a “general...
Who Are Iowa’s Farmworkers?
Who are Iowa's Farmworkers? Every year thousands of farmworkers are hired in Iowa. Many of these workers do not live in...
Debo dinero al IRS (Servicio Interno de Ingresos). ¿Qué puedo hacer?
Supongamos que el IRS le ha enviado una carta hace unos años indicando que usted le debe dinero. En el momento, usted no...
Farmworkers’ Rights
Farmworkers have many important legal rights. The following is a summary of some of the important rights and...
¿Cómo recupero mis posesiones? Lo que usted debe saber sobre los casos de reivindicación de bienes muebles en Iowa
¿Qué es la "reivindicación de bienes muebles"? La mayoría de las veces, las demandas que la gente presenta piden a un...
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (AWPA)
What is the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (AWPA)? The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker...
Private Rooms and Nursing Home Residents on Title 19
Many elderly Iowans enter nursing homes after living privately in their own homes or apartments. When entering a nursing...
Protecting Your 401(K) Plan
Question: I'm a 20-year employee of a company that has a 401(k) plan. I've been told I am fully vested and am thinking...
Audiencias para determinar los hechos y apelaciones para beneficios por desempleo
*NOTA: Este artículo discute el proceso de los beneficios por desempleo tradicionales. Hay beneficios federales adicionales...
La Ley para la Protección de los Trabajadores Agrícolas Migratorios y Estacionales (AWPA, por sus siglas en inglés)
¿Qué es La Ley para la Protección de los Trabajadores Agrícolas Migratorios y Estacionales (AWPA)? La Ley para la...
The Criminal Process in Domestic Abuse Cases
Any victim of a crime can file a criminal complaint against their assailant by contacting the police and making the...
Getting Medical Assistance
Where can I get help paying for health care in Iowa? Many people need help paying for health care. Iowa has several...
Régimen de visitas de los abuelos en Iowa
En Iowa, los abuelos o bisabuelos pueden solicitar ante un tribunal que se les conceda un régimen de visitas con sus nietos...
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
People often worry about being revived when they are terminally ill and dying. Being revived can be painful and unwanted....
Consumer Issues When You Aren’t Married
A variety of issues can come up when a couple lives together but is not married. This article takes a look at consumer...
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for People Who Get Medicaid
Medicare provides prescription drug coverage for people who are eligible for Medicare. This includes people who are...
¡Reclame todos los créditos tributarios de sus ingresos de trabajo (EIC) que se ha ganado!
¿Cuánto dinero puedo obtener? Si usted tiene hijos que califican, usted puede obtener hasta $6,935 dólares del EIC. Si...
Preguntas y respuestas sobre custodia
¿Quién tiene la custodia cuando nace un hijo de una madre soltera? • La madre suele tener la custodia de su hijo si no...
My Spouse Lied to the IRS and I Got the Bill!
What might happen? You got your mail today. There is a letter from the IRS. It isn't tax refund time so it can't be...
Intentional Program Violations Food Assistance
Iowa’s food assistance program is also known as SNAP. If the Iowa Department of Health and Human services (HHS)...
Gifts and Qualifying for Medicaid for Nursing Home Care
If you or your spouse give away money or property to anyone for less than fair market value, you may not be eligible for...
Derechos de Trabajadores Agrícolas
Los trabajadores agrícolas tienen importantes derechos legales. El siguiente es un resumen de algunos derechos importantes...
Foreclosure and Forfeiture Questions and Answers
I am worried that we might lose our house. We’re having trouble making payments. What can happen?
Business Contract and Commercial Lease Issues
What should I do if I can’t pay my commercial lease for my business? Commercial or business tenants do not enjoy the same...
Getting a Temporary Restricted License (TRL)
Who Needs a TRL? Many persons need a temporary restricted license (TRL) to handle life's daily responsibilities- getting to...
Los reembolsos de impuestos de 2020 se van, se van, ¡ya casi se fueron…!
"¡No pierda su reembolso! Los reembolsos de impuestos de 2020 se van, se van, ¡ya casi se fueron…!” los últimos años,...
Finding Housing with a Criminal Record
A past criminal case can make it hard to find housing. Many landlords will not rent to someone with a criminal record....
Avoid Housing Schemes
If a Real Estate Deal Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Might Be Housing is expensive. Many Iowans struggle each month to come...
La Ley de Normas Justas de Trabajo (FLSA) ayuda a los trabajadores agrícolas y otros trabajadores obtener su salario justo
La Ley de Normas Justas de Trabajo (FLSA, por sus siglas en inglés) es una ley federal que establece normas para sueldo...
Attorney Profile: Get to Know Josh Gaul
Get to know Josh Gaul, Managing Attorney of Iowa Legal Aid’s Disaster Project and Rural Justice Project for Older Iowans....
¡Usted Tiene Derechos Cuando Termina Su Trabajo!
¿Le ha pasado esto?: Usted vive en un campo de migrantes y le despiden o deja el trabajo. El patrón le dice que usted...
Bankruptcy Issues After A Disaster
I lost everything because of a natural disaster. Will it help me to file bankruptcy? It depends on your situation....
Involuntary Transfers from Nursing Homes
Moving into a nursing home can be a traumatic event for many people. Surroundings are not familiar. The person loses a...
I Owe the IRS Money. Now What?
Suppose the IRS sent you a letter a couple of years back indicating that you owed money to the IRS. At the time, you didn't...
The Effective Date of your Veterans Affairs Compensation or Pension Claim
The “effective date” of a claim for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Compensation or Pension runs from whichever is...
Common Issues in Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits:
The sudden loss of a job can be devastating. The income of the job is gone but bills still must be paid. Unemployment...
Selling Your Car
Iowa Department of Transportation - Buying and Selling a Vehicle: www.iowadot.gov Information You Need If You Sell Your...
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal statute passed by Congress to allow military members to suspend or...
Employment Rights
Protect Yourself: Keep track of your hours! Write down the hours that each person in your family works every day. At...
Types of Notices from Landlords
Landlords nearly always have to give a tenant a written notice before filing an eviction case. The notice required in...
Payroll Cards
How are you paid? Most workers get paid by check or by direct deposit. Some specialized workers, such as waiters, may get...