Information and Resources

Are you receiving threatening phone calls from a debt collector? Are you unable to get a job because of a bad credit report? Has your license been suspended due to a civil debt default judgment? Tzedek DC may be able to help you with these issues. Please contact Tzedek DC if you are a District of Columbia resident facing a debt- or consumer-related legal matter and are seeking help.

Referral Resources

The Advice and Referral Clinic

The Advice and Referral Clinic provides free consultations with volunteer attorneys and brief services to individuals without their own lawyers. The clinic helps address civil legal issues governed by DC law, including bankruptcy, debt collection, consumer law, employment law, family law, health law, housing law, personal injury, probate matters, public benefits, and tax law. DC Bar - Advice & Referral Clinic

Housing Legal Assistance

Unrepresented tenants and small landlords can access free legal assistance either virtually or in person. Services include legal information, advice, and representation for residential housing disputes. DC Bar - Housing Legal Assistance

Family Law Assistance Network

The Family Law Assistance Network offers confidential, free legal advice and representation to individuals in DC who are dealing with custody, child support, parentage, and divorce. Services are available to those with a household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Offers both remote and in-person services. DC Bar - Family Law Assistance Network

DC Refers

Clients with incomes between 200 and 400% of the federal poverty guidelines can use this online directory to access a list of reduced-fee lawyers who may be available to represent or advise them on a broad range of legal matters. DCRefers | us

Community Partner Toolkit

These files (each in both English and Spanish) serve as tools to help community members learn about the steps they can take to manage problems with debt, protect themselves against scams, and safeguard their credit.

Student Loans

This webpage offers guidance on how best to prepare for entering repayment and provides an overview of the Biden-Harris Administration’s SAVE plan.

Cryptocurrency

This explainer reviews frequently asked questions and common myths about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Advance Child Tax Credit

This one-pager from the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia provides information about the Advance Child Tax Credit.

COVID-19

See these links for helpful COVID-19 frequently asked questions and resources on credit report protections for DC residents:

Driver’s License Reform

See these links for information on and links to a coalition letter and report on how DC’s “Clean Hands” law disqualifies tens of thousands of residents from renewing their driver’s licenses as punishment for as little as $101 of unpaid fines or fees to the DC Government, as well as a related FAQ:

Fraud

If you have experienced an instance of fraud or want to learn more about frauds and scams, these links provide useful information:

Debt-Related Legal Crises

If you are facing a debt-related legal crisis or know someone who is, these links provide useful information:

Credit

The following resources provide helpful information on credit report protections (including how to file a personal statement with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and how to dispute errors on your report:

Driver’s Licenses

If either your driver's license has been suspended OR you were denied renewal of your license because of unpaid debt we may be able to help:

Tax Filing

For community members looking for help filing taxes, check out some of these resources: