FAQ

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

What is the ADA?

Who is a "qualified" individual with a disability?

What is required of state and local governments?

What access must be offered by state and local governments to qualified individuals with disabilities in existing facilities?

Must state and local governments who build new facilities or alter existing ones comply with the architectural accessibility requirements of the ADA?

Are state and local governments required to make roads and sidewalks accessible?

When must "auxiliary aids and services" be offered to ensure communications accessibility?

Is there a process by which state and local governments are required to address accessibility under the ADA?

How may an individual address a state or local government's failure to comply with the ADA?

What is a public accommodation?

What is required of public accommodations?

Are public accommodations required to be architecturally accessible?

When must public accommodations offer "auxiliary aids and services" to ensure communication accessibility?

Must examinations and courses be made accessible?

Who can enforce Title III of the ADA?

Consumer Law

What can a bill collector do to me if I fall behind on a debt?

What are my rights if I am contacted by a collection agency attempting to collect a debt?

What are my rights if repossession of my property is threatened?

Where may I turn for advice?

What if I am sued?

Attachment & Garnishment

When can you claim your exemption rights?

How to claim your property or income is exempt?

How to get your property back?

What can I do if I have property or wages which are not exempt from execution?

Used Cars, Garages & Repair Facilities

Who regulates garages?

Are there laws to keep repair shops from cheating?

Can I find out in advance how much a car repair will cost?

Can a garage keep my car until I pay my bill?

I don't want to go to court or complain to a government agency, do I have any other way to settle a dispute with my garage?

If my car breaks down or needs repair after I buy it, what can I do?

Special Education

What is the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)?

What is a due process hearing?

What should I do before I file for a due process hearing?

How do I file for a due process hearing?

How long does it take to get a decision?

What happens after I request a due process hearing?

Who acts as the impartial hearing officer?

What is a pre-hearing conference and how do I prepare for it?

What can I ask for at the hearing?

What should I do if the school district wants to settle the case prior to the due process hearing?

Do I have any other options to resolve the dispute in addition to going to hearing?

Can I be required to participate in mediation?

If I am a unsatisfied with the haring officer's decision, may I appeal?

If I am dissatisfied with the appeals decision what can I do?

Social Security/SSI

What is Social Security?

Who is eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits?

At what age can I receive Social Security retirement benefits?

How are monthly retirement benefits currently calculated?

How can I obtain my Primary Insurance Amount?

If I retire early, how will the amount of my benefits be affected?

How much will my benefits increase if I take late retirement?

Will my retirement benefits be reduced if I work while receiving them?

Who is eligible?

How are monthly disability benefits calculated?

How can I prove that I am disabled?

When do disability benefits and Medicare began?

If I retire or become disabled, can my family get benefits with me?

Are my survivors covered when I die?

Is there a limit on the amount which my family and I may receive each month?

What it my spouse worked enough to qualify for benefits?

Does Social Security make a death benefit payment when I die?

Does Social Security offer benefits to aged, blind and disabled individuals with little money and limited work histories?

What assets are exempt from the SSI resource limits?

How does the SSI program define "disabled"?

If I receive SSI, will I be eligible for medical benefits?

When will I receive my checks?

May I have my Social Security or SSI check deposited directly to my bank account?

If I become physically or mentally unable to handle my financial affairs, may a friend or family member receive my check?

If I disagree with a decision made by the Social Security Administration, may I appeal?

Should I seek legal representation when appealing a Social Security Administration decision?