Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, find answers to common questions about finances and a list of additional resources to help you access affordable health care, free tax preparation, and much more. If you don’t find your question below, or you need additional resources, call 510-238-2362.
ANSWERS TO COMMON FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
I am a Mexican citizen and I don't have a California driver's license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Free Tax Preparation
Food Assistance
Lower Your AT&T Phone Bill
Affordable Auto Insurance
Home Buying Assistance
Rental Assistance
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
A copy of your ChexSystems report can help you understand why you have been denied opening a bank account. If you have been denied in the past 60 days because of ChexSystems, you can access your report online. Otherwise you can write to ChexSystems, Inc. to send you your report. Click here to access your report.
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experion, and Equifax) every year. You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.
The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet explaining your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.
I think my identity has been stolen. Where can I find help with identity theft?
The Federal Trade Commission provides an entire Web site about identity theft, including how to prevent identity theft and how to recover your identity if it has been stolen. Click here to visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site “Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.”
The Federal Reserve Bank has also published a guide on “How to Establish, Use, and Protect your Credit.” Click here to view the guide.
I am having trouble paying my bills; how can I reduce my debt?
In the East Bay area, you can call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the East Bay (CCCSEB), a nonprofit financial resource center that offers tools to help you set and achieve financial goals. Click here to visit their Web site.
If your goal is to eliminate or manage your debt, CCCSEB also offers free, confidential consultations to help you achieve this goal. Click here to visit the CCCSEB Web site.
I am worried I might need to declare bankruptcy; where can I go for help?
In the East Bay area, you can call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the East Bay (CCCSEB), a nonprofit financial resource center that offers tools to help you set and achieve financial goals. If your goal is to avoid filing for bankruptcy or to understand the bankruptcy process, they will counsel you through the process. Click here to visit the CCCSEB Web site.
I have a mortgage and now I am worried about being foreclosed; who can I call?
You are not alone. Call Operation HOPE: (510) 535-6700 where your call will be answered by a homeownership counselor who can understand your situation and help with your next steps. You can also click here to visit their Web site.
I am a Mexican citizen and I don’t have a California driver’s license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula card?
To apply for a Matricula card from the San Francisco Mexican Consulate office, you must make an appointment with the Consulate. Click here to access their Web site and learn about eligibility requirements and how to make an appointment. Or call (877) MEXITEL.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Use this list of resources to get help reducing your everyday expenses, claim all of the credits and benefits you are owed, and start building assets for the future.
Free Tax Preparation
Earn it Keep it Save it (EKS) provides free high-quality tax return preparation for Bay Area families with incomes less than $42,000. EKS sites are located throughout the Bay Area. Click here to visit their web site.
Food Assistance
The Alameda County Food Bank can help you find delicious affordable food near you! Call the Alameda County Community Food Bank at (510) 635-3663 or click here to visit their Web site.
Help with Utility Bills
You may be eligible for help with your gas and electric bill. For more information, call PG&E at 1 (866) 743-2273, or click here to visit their Web site.
Lower Your AT&T Phone Bill
If you currently receive Medi-Cal, SSI, Food Stamps, Healthy Families, or WIC, you may qualify for help with up to half the cost of your basic residential phone bill through AT&T California Lifeline. For more information, call AT&T at 1 (800) 288-2020, or click here to visit their Web site.
Affordable Auto Insurance
If you have a good driving record, are at least 19 years old, have had a license for at least 3 years, and own a car valued below $20,000, you may be eligible for auto insurance that costs under $400 a year. To learn more about California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program (CLCA), made possible by California’s Department of Insurance, call CLCA at 1 (866) 602-8861, or click here to visit their Web site. Assistance is available in all languages.
Rental Assistance
Get help paying overdue rent, avoiding eviction, or applying for a security deposit to move into permanent housing. For more information, call 2-1-1 or click here to visit the Eden I&R 2-1-1 Web site.