This article examines the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) access to broadband for low-income household. The article explains what the ACP offers, who can obtain benefits, and how to apply. With over 11.5 million households already enrolled in ACP, consumer practitioners need to know how to help clients with enrollment and to advise those already enrolled as to their rights. As the COVID...
Collections, Repossessions, Utilities
Consumer Advice Dealing with Debt Collectors—Including the New Federal Rules
This article provides advice to consumers in dealing with debt collectors, taking into consideration new consumer rights and new consumer risks flowing from federal rules that just went into effect on November 30, 2021. The article: provides nine ways to stop debt harassment, with sample letters; explains the limits of what collectors can really do; and lists illegal debt collection conduct that can lead to consumer claims.
Defenses to Collection of Rental Debt
This article provides tenant tactics to deal with rental debt: responding to negative tenant screening reports that prevent access to new housing; challenging the rental amount claimed as due; other defenses to rental debt collection lawsuits and eight ways for the tenant to recover attorney fees in that litigation; tenant rights after a court judgment for the landlord; and tenants’ affirmative litigation for the collector’s litigation abuse.
The FDCPA Year in Review: 2021
This article reviews a very active 2021 concerning the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): significant new FDCPA regulations took effect, a Supreme Court decision significantly impacts standing in FDCPA cases, and 21 appellate court panels issued important FDCPA published decisions.
Defending Nursing Home Collection Lawsuits
Nursing homes too often sue without justification not only residents, but family members or caregivers for amounts that can exceed $100,000. This article introduces defenses that residents and especially third parties can raise to these collection lawsuits. Affirmative claims that can be brought against the collection attorney and nursing home are examined, and additional resources are provided.
Comprehensive New FDCPA Regulation F Takes Effect November 30
This article introduces the new Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Reg. F, that went into effect November 30. The article provides links to totally rewritten NCLC chapters explaining the new rules in-depth. It also provides a handy list of new Reg. F provisions on debt collector use of emails and texts to collect debts and make required disclosures.
Starting July 15: Protecting the Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments from Creditors
Starting July 15, families will receive each month an advance child tax credit up to $300 per child per month. This article examines existing consumer protections to safeguard payments from judgment creditors’ bank account garnishment and from the United States’ intercept to repay defaulted federal student loans. The article also considers tactics to protect paper check payments from garnishment.
Effective May 3 New Federal Debt Collection Rule on Eviction Practices
This article explains a new CFPB Interim Final Rule, effective May 3, 2021, that increases information for tenants about COVID-related protection from eviction. The article also details tenants’ federal remedies against eviction attorneys and other debt collectors involved in the eviction that fail to provide or misrepresent that information.