COVID-19 Pandemic Updates
In order to protect the health of our clients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pepperdine Legal Aid and Low Income Taxpayer Clinics have closed their office to the public until further notice. During this time, PLAC and PLITC staff and law students will continue serving the Los Angeles community through phone appointments. Please contact us at (213) 673-4831 to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
Helpful Links
Court Closures
Updates regarding court closures in Los Angeles County relating to COVID-19 can be found here: www.lacourt.org/
Economic Impact Payment – Stimulus Checks
Eligible residents of the United States are entitled to $1,200 from the federal government and an additional $500 per child under age 17. The IRS website provides you with information regarding who is eligible and how to receive your payment: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
Employment Benefits
Legal Aid at Work has a hotline for questions related to work and EDD Benefits: (800) 880-8847. They have helpful answers to Frequently Asked Questions: legalaidatwork.org/factsheet/coronavirus-faq/
Housing
Inner City Law Center has created a step-by-step guide for tenants who cannot pay rent due to COVID-19. This guide also includes referrals for local legal aid organizations handling housing matters: www.innercitylaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BestPracticesCOVID19-040220.pdf
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has a hotline to answer questions regarding rent payment and foreclosure prevention services. You can call them today at (833) 223-7368 or, for additional information, visit their website.
Immigration – Public Charge Test
Often immigrants are concerned about seeking public benefits due to the public charge test, which may affect their immigration status. The USCIS has stated that seeking medical help due to COVID-19 does not affect the public charge determination. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles has information regarding public charge on their website. You can also call their hotline for more information: (800) 433-6251
Traffic and Non-traffic Infractions
On April 10, 2020, Los Angeles County issued a 90-day grace period on traffic and non-traffic infractions. These infractions will not be sent to collections and no civil assessment fees will be added until July 9, 2020. Additionally, individuals who have a hold on their driver's license due to failure to pay may schedule an arraignment with the court in order to remove a hold on their driver's license during this time: www.lacourt.org/division/traffic/traffic2.aspx
Consumers - Price Gouging
During this declared state of emergency, it is illegal for a business to engage in price gouging--raising the price of necessary goods and services over 10%. Call the Department of Consumer Affairs to file a report at (800) 593-8222 or go to their website.
Domestic Violence
If you are in a life-threatening emergency situation, please call 9-1-1. Domestic violence shelters are still open, and the courts are issuing temporary restraining orders. You can call 2-1-1 for resources available in your area or visit their website.