Domestic Violence

Economic Abuse Wheel:

Where can I find local financial education and coaching for survivors? 

Where can I get more information about dv and financial resources in Washington State? 

Where can I get more information about consumer/debt, housing, employment, or any other legal issues in Washington State?  

Where can I find information about the Address Confidentiality Program? 

How can I review my own ChexSystems report?  

How do I find a bank or credit union with low-barrier accounts?  

How can I open an account online? 

How do I decide which bank or credit union to use?

• https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guides-to-help-you-open-and-manage-your-checking-account/
• https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/#choosing-financial-products-and-services

Where can I find information about banking alternatives?

• Pre-paid debit cards:
• Avoiding scams when using a mobile payment apps: 
• How to avoid Cryptocurrency scams:

Where can I get my free credit report? 

 Where can I learn more about how to read my credit report? 

How can I opt out of pre-screened credit offers? 

• To opt out for five years call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com  
• To opt out permanently: You may begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com  To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request.

Where can I learn more about Identity Theft? 

• Call the FTC’s ID Theft Hotline: 1-877-IDTHEFT or online at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
• Child ID Theft
• Avoiding scams 

Where can I find easy-to-read information and packets on many financial issues in WA, such as bankruptcy, debt collection, consumer fraud, credit problems, identity theft, legal financial obligations (LFO), payday and small loans, student loans, car issues, medical bills, contracts, buying a home, income taxes, managing money and small claims court? https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/issues/consumer-debt

Where can I refer clients for more help with credit, debt or budgeting issues for financial coaching, counseling or education?

• FEN's Financial Wellness Provider Directory
• Community Reinvestment Project-funded Financial coaching programs
• American Financial Solutions: (888) 282-5844 or www.myfinancialgoals.org 
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling: www.nfcc.org/

Where can I refer clients with legal questions?

• Northwest Justice Project: Debt Collection Defense Clinic (King County): occurring remotely on Tuesdays. King Co clients should call 206.464.1519 to be screened for eligibility 9-5 pm Mon-Fri. Eligible clients will then receive a call back between 1-3 pm on Tuesdays for advice and counsel services.  
• NJP Outside of King County: CLEAR Intake Line: 1.888.201.1014, Mon-Fri 9:15am-12:15pm 
• King County Bar Association’s Debt & Bankruptcy Clinic
• Northwest Consumer Law Center

Washington State Attorney General: www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint  or call 1.800.551.4636. They offer an informal complaint resolution service to Washington state residents, and to consumers with complaints about businesses located in Washington state.

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions:  DFI takes complaints on banks, credit unions, pay day lenders, mortgage companies, escrow agents, check cashers, consumer loan companies, money transmitters/currency exchangers, and securities brokers/advisors.

Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-382-4357. The FTC cannot resolve individual complaints, but they can provide information about what next steps to take.

Report complaints about a financial product or service to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: CFPB will forward your complaint to the company and work to get a response. 

Where can I learn more about DV and Unemployment?  

Where can I learn more about DV and Employment Leave? 

Where can I get more information about safety planning and work? 

Where can I get help to start my own business? Washington State Micro-Enterprise Association

Where can I get my social security earnings report? 

Where can I find free tax preparation locations and schedule?  

• United Ways of PNW
• IRS

Who can help me with tax-related issues? 

• IRS Local Office
• Tax Payer Advocate

Where can I get my free Tax Transcript? 

Where can I learn more about the Working Families Tax Credit?

• Dept. of Revenue
• WFTC Coalition

Where can I learn more about domestic violence and housing rights?  https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/resource/landlordtenant-issues-for-survivors-of-domest

What are some resources around rental housing rights?

• Solid Ground Tenant Services
• Tenants Union
• Northwest Justice Project’s CLEAR Hotline

Where can I find more information if I'm interested in buying a home?

• Washington Homeownership Resource Center
• Find a HUD-certified First-Time Homebuyer classes
• Washington State Housing Finance Commission

Where can I find more information if I am facing a foreclosure or having trouble making my mortgage payments?

• Short video to understand the process and what help is available:
  • English
  • Spanish
• Flyers for homeowners to understand the process and how to get help, available in 9 languages: www.fenwa.org/housing
• Call the Homeownership Hotline at 877-894-HOME (4663) to find an attorney specializing in foreclosure prevention or to speak to a HUD-approved counselor in your community.
• CSAJ has resources available on the intersection of foreclosure and domestic violence.