Services: Domestic Violence: Resource Manual - How Can I Make It On My Own? (Section 2, Part 1)

What if your abuser earns or controls most of the household money? How will you live on your own? How much child support can you expect to receive, and how can you get assistance from the Welfare Division? What about health insurance? What happens if you can't pay the bills?

1. If I leave my abuser and have very little money, can I get help?

There are different programs that may be able to help you. The major programs are:

TANF: If you have children or are at least 6 months pregnant, you may qualify for TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families). TANF provides monthly cash assistance and medical coverage as well as a number of other benefits (such as child care and transportation reimbursement if you are in school, job training or working). You apply for TANF at your local Welfare Office, listed in the telephone book alphabetical listing under Nevada, State of, Department of Human Resources, Welfare Division. See the Appendix to this Section for further information.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you are disabled, you can apply for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. To be "insured", you must have paid into the Social Security system. The amount of your monthly cash benefit will be calculated based upon your reported Social Security earnings.

SSI provides cash monthly benefits and health coverage to persons who are disabled, blind or at least 65 years of age; SSI does not offer benefits to dependents. You do not have to have be "insured" to receive SSI, however, there are certain qualifications relating to income and resource limits. The amount of your monthly cash benefit will be calculated based upon your income and living arrangements.

You apply for Social Security and SSI at your local Social Security Administration Office, listed in the telephone book alphabetical listing under United States Government, Social Security Administration or call for the general information number 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Food Stamps: You can apply for Food Stamps with your TANF application, or you can apply separately. The Food Stamp Program provides monthly assistance for food; your monthly benefit will be calculated based upon the size of your household and your income, shelter expenses, medical and child care costs. You apply at your local Nevada Welfare Division office. See the Appendix to this Section for further information.

Medicaid: Medicaid provides medical coverage to: qualified, low-income families with children, children under age 19, pregnant women, and persons who are disabled, blind or at least 65 years old. Generally, you will qualify for Medicaid automatically if you receive TANF; an SSI recipient will probably also qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply separately for the Medicaid.

Nevada Check-up: Nevada Check-up is an insurance program that provides healthcare coverage for children who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage. The premiums are paid quarterly; the amount charged is based upon your household income and family size (ranging from $10-$50/child). Nevada Check-up provides inpatient hospital care, physiciansâ services; x-rays; prescription drugs; ambulance; well baby/well child care; laboratory tests; chiropractor services; outpatient hospital services; hearing aids; dental care; vision care and mental health services. To qualify, the children cannot be eligible for Medicaid or have private insurance, they must U.S. citizens or legal residents, they must be under 18, and their care providerâs household income must fall within certain income guidelines (roughly calculated at approximately 200% of the federal poverty guidelines). "Covering Kids" (702) 383-1457, is an organization that provides outreach, applications and assistance in applying for Nevada Check-up coverage. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Emergency Assistance: Emergency Assistance may be available to families with children under 21 and pregnant women, including emergency shelter if you are homeless, and payment toward back rent to prevent eviction: contact the Economic Opportunity Board, 7080 6th Street, Las Vegas (702) 387-0985. There are other programs that can help you with food, utilities, medical needs, back rent, emergency shelter and housing, such as the Salvation Army, domestic violence and homeless shelters, Catholic Community Services of Nevada and other organizations listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.

Victims of Crime Act: You may be entitled to some compensation under the Nevada Victims of Violent Crime program if:

1. The abuse is also a crime (battery, assault, etc.);
2. The crime occurred in the State of Nevada;
3. You reported the crime to law enforcement within 5 days (unless you have good cause for why you have not);
4. You have been injured by the crime (usually proven by seeking immediate medical treatment); and
5. You did not consent to, provoke or incite the crime.

If you meet these requirements, you may apply for compensation that could include: payment of medical expenses and/or psychological counseling; reimbursement of lost wages up to $300 per week, funeral and burial expenses, up to $2,500, limited grief counseling to eligible survivors of a deceased victim (up to $3,500), and replacement or repair of property which is essential to the physical or mental health of the victim (eyeglasses, dentures, prosthetic devices, etc.). The program does not compensate for ordinary property losses or repair, legal fees, phone bills, meals, living expenses or pain and suffering. You may get an application form from the Victims of Crime Program, 555. E. Washington Avenue, Suite 3200, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 (702) 486-2740, or the Victim/Witness Assistance Center, Clark County District Attorney's Office, 200 S. Third Street, #545, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155 (702) 455-4204.

2. What is TANF?

TANF stands for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and was previously referred to as "AFDC" or "Aid to Families with Dependent Children" (and is often referred to as "welfare"). TANF is federally funded through a block grant to the State of Nevada from the Department of Health and Human Services. TANF provides cash and medical assistance to certain families with children when the children are not being supported by at least one parent because the parent is dead, disabled, absent from the home or underemployed. In order to qualify for help, the child must be "living with" a relative (such as a parent, grandparent, aunt, adult sibling or cousin) or with someone who is or was married to a relative. TANF has financial guidelines, but you can have some income and own some things and still qualify for help. The amount of the monthly cash assistance varies depending on your household size and whether you live in subsidized housing. For more information, see the Nevada Welfare website.

In addition, the Welfare Office can help you plan for getting off TANF through education assistance, job training and help finding jobs. The Welfare Office and/or the Economic Opportunity Board can provide child care and transportation assistance for people in approved training or education programs. Depending on your situation, the Welfare Office can provide you with childcare for a certain number of months even after you get off TANF. Check with your welfare caseworker if you have questions about whether you are eligible for childcare.

3. If my children are not living with me, can I still get TANF?

Sometimes. Your child may be temporarily absent from your home if the absence is not expected to last more than 120 consecutive days (or if your situation meets an exception to that rule). This means that you may still qualify for TANF even if your child is away at a residential school or if your child is visiting someone else's home temporarily, or if there is some temporary family crisis situation. However, if your child was removed from your home by a court order, after a hearing, or if your children are temporarily removed from your home by CPS, you probably will not qualify for TANF.

4. Do I have to do certain things (like work or study) in order to stay on TANF?

Yes. There are rules or conditions that you have to follow in the TANF program. A full discussion of these rules is beyond the scope of this manual. For example, the welfare office will want to get child support from an absent parent and will want you to participate unless you have "good cause" for why they should not contact him. Due to welfare reform, some parents are required to work or do community service up to 30 hours each week (the actual amount may be negotiated with your case worker as your facts require). Children are required to attend school and be vaccinated against childhood diseases. Most families will be limited to 24 consecutive months of TANF, followed by 12 months without assistance. Some of these welfare reform requirements may not apply to you if you are "exempt" or if the requirements are "waived" due to domestic violence or some other circumstance. (Note: teenagers receiving TANF are treated differently from adults.)

5. How much money will I receive on TANF?

For the exact amount, check the table at the end of this manual. [This table should be updated annually. If the version of this manual you are looking at does not have the updated table, you can check the payment levels in the Nevada regulations, available at the local welfare office, or in the Clark County Law Library located at 309 S. 3rd Street, Suite 400, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155, (702) 455-4695.]

6. If I am eligible for TANF, how long after I apply will I get the first payment?

Generally, the Welfare Division has forty-five (45) days from the day you apply to "open your case" and start payments, as long as you give them all the information (they call it "verification") they require. In emergency cases, they may be able to start payments before the forty-five (45) days are up. While you are waiting for the forty-five (45) days to be up, you might be able to get "immediate needs" met, which includes an emergency food voucher, and a temporary medical card. The Welfare Division will take any money they give you up front out of your first monthly payment. Your caseworker will also check to see if you are entitled to start receiving food stamps right away.

7. What should I do to make sure my application goes smoothly?

It is important to have a folder to keep all your welfare papers organized. Make copies of everything, and mark down in your folder the days you do anything with the Welfare Division. Getting the Welfare Office all the "verification" they ask for can be difficult. You may have to do a lot of running around. If you don't get all the verification in on time, it may take them longer to open your case. Keep in touch with your welfare intake worker. If you are having a problem completing forms or getting verifications, tell your caseworker and she should help you. This is how the application process works:

• Go to your local Welfare Division Office and ask for help. You will have to complete, sign and date an application. Write in your folder the date you turned in your signed application at the Welfare Office.
• You will have an interview (orientation) with an eligibility caseworker (it may be a few days later) to give him/her your information. The caseworker fills in forms, and asks you about the father of your children, your income, address, etc.
• After the interview, the caseworker will give you a written list of "verifications" you need to bring in. Examples of "verifications" are birth certificates, bankbooks, notes from landlords, and proof your children have been vaccinated. You must provide these verifications as soon as possible, in order for your caseworker to make an eligibility determination and get your TANF benefits started - the sooner you bring in all of your documents, the sooner you get the assistance.
• If you need more time to get all the verifications you need, ask your caseworker for an extension of time, in writing. Put the date of your request on your note to the caseworker. Keep a photocopy of the note in your folder.
• If a caseworker at the Welfare Office asks you to give him something you don't have and cannot easily get (for example, a certified copy of a birth certificate from another state), write a note explaining why you cannot get what the caseworker is asking for. In the note, ask the caseworker to help you, or to let you know what other kinds of verification will be accepted (and there are many!). Be certain to put on the note the date that you give it to the caseworker. Keep a photocopy of the note in your folder.
• There are regulations which say the Welfare Office should help you if you cannot get a verification from a third party for reasons beyond your control. Write a note explaining why you cannot get what the caseworker is asking for. In the note, ask the caseworker to help you, or to let you know what else you can do. Be certain to put on the note the date that you give it to the caseworker. Keep a photocopy of the note in your folder.
• The Welfare Office handles thousands of cases and occasionally documents and notes dropped off with them get misplaced, so whenever you give papers to them, it is always a good idea to keep a copy and make a record of what you give them and the date that you gave it. One way to confirm the date you drop documents off is to ask the receptionist to "date stamp" a photocopy of what you are dropping off at the welfare office. That will be your receipt, and your proof that you dropped off the note or the verification.
• Try to keep a good relationship with your caseworker. Understand that he or she probably has many cases to manage and keep a positive attitude. However, if your caseworker gives you a hard time, or does not follow the rules, you can ask to speak with your caseworker's supervisor and explain the problem.

8. Why does the Welfare Office want to know about the father of my children?

When you apply for TANF, the Welfare Office asks about the father because they want him to contribute to supporting the children. After getting the information from you, the Welfare Office refers child support cases to the Clark County District Attorney Family Services Division (DAFS). DAFS has lawyers who take the father of your children to court and get a judge to order him to pay child support. Unless you have been granted a "good cause waiver," (see Questions 9 and 10), you will be required to participate in your child support case. This participation may include appearing in court and taking genetic marker tests (i.e. swabbing the inside of your mouth and the mouths of your children with a cotton swab), among other things. If you do not give the Welfare Office this information or participate in your child support case and you do not have "good cause" for not doing so, you could be found ineligible for TANF and your benefits will be terminated.

9. I am afraid of the father of my children. Do I have to tell the Welfare Office where he is if I want TANF?

Not necessarily. If you are afraid that the father will hurt you or your children, tell your welfare caseworker. You do not have to provide information or cooperate with child support if you have one of the following good cause reasons:

• the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest; OR
• you are planning to give up your child for adoption; OR
• you or your child would suffer "serious emotional or physical harm" by cooperating with child support enforcement.

For example, if you know who your childrenâs father is but he was abusive or had threatened you, you can claim good cause for not cooperating with child support enforcement. You can demonstrate that cooperating will be harmful to you or your child if you have a protection order against him, or medical records demonstrating injuries from his abuse, or a written statement from a social service agency, shelter, or someone else who knows your situation.

Your welfare caseworker has the duty to explain to you what the "good cause" exception is and the benefits of cooperation. Your caseworker must also help you get the proof you need for the exception, if you need help. You should be notified whether your claim for good cause is accepted. Welfare can decide to accept good cause and not contact the father at all; then DAFS would not pursue the father for child support. Welfare can accept your claim of good cause but decide it is safe to get support from the absent parent so long as you are not required to help. Make sure you know what decision is made. If you are unhappy with the decision, you have the right to appeal. If you don't give the Welfare Office information about the father of your children, they may send you a notice trying to terminate your benefits. If they try to terminate your benefits, you can challenge the action through an appeal.

10. What are the risks involved if DAFS collects child support?

Having DAFS establish or collect child support is something you should think about carefully if the father of your children was abusive toward you. On the one hand, every child has a right to support from his/her parents. In a non-abusive family, or if you feel safe from your former abuser, you probably would want DAFS to establish and collect child support. In particular, since TANF provides only temporary assistance (absent special circumstances, you can receive TANF for no more then 60 months), you will need the child support to support yourself and your child when your TANF grant ends. When you get off TANF, the current child support money DAFS collects each week would start going directly to you.

On the other hand, if you are a victim of abuse, going after child support might put you and the children in danger. Filing the child support case could give your abuser a chance to follow you home from court, or harass you while you are waiting outside the courtroom. Filing for child support might make your abuser angry and increase the risk that you will be harmed. If the abusive father of your children is made to pay child support, he might bring another action in Family Court for custody or the right to start visiting the children, or participating more in their lives. He has the right to ask for custody or visitation in court whether or not DAFS goes after child support, but some fathers do not pursue these rights until they are taken to court for child support. A visitation order from the court could increase your involvement with the father of your children, whether you like it or not.

There are other things that you can do to stay protected if DAFS pursues child support. You may ask to be placed in the Confidential Address program set up by the Nevada Secretary of State to protect victims of domestic violence, or you may ask the DAFS attorney to keep your address confidential so he cannot learn where you are living from the court papers (NOTE: Each DAFS attorney has a heavy case load, so if this is something you need, you must tell the DAFS attorney right away and repeat it each time you see him or her). See Question 11 and Section 7 for more information about visitation. In the end, you are the person who can best evaluate the risk that child support collection may pose to you and your children.

11. What if I am in court with DAFS on a child support case and the father asks for visitation?

DAFS will not help either parent make agreements on visitation or custody: they only deal with child support. However, you should tell DAFS immediately if you have been a victim of domestic violence by the father of your children, and remind the DAFS attorney of it each time you go to court. He will not be allowed to raise issues of custody or visitation at the child support hearing. If the father wants visits or custody - which he has a right to request - he has to file a complaint in Family Court. See Section 7 of this manual for more information about visitation.

12. Is there anything else I should know about DAFS child support cases?

Yes! If you and the father of your children are not married and have not signed an Affidavit of Paternity, a child support case may make a very important difference, especially if the father of your child has not been involved with your children. Technically, if you and the father of your children have not "established paternity," he isn't the father in the eyes of the law and does not yet have rights or responsibilities regarding the children (see Section 9 of this manual for information on establishing paternity). If this is the case, neither you nor the Welfare Office will be able to get an order for child support and he should not be able to insist on visiting the children or ask for custody. Until he is legally declared the father, you are the only parent of the children and the only one with the right to custody. As a practical matter, however, this is often overlooked. In addition, if you have lived together as a family, or he has been actively involved in the child's life, the fact that he has not been adjudicated the father will not be much of an obstacle for him to overcome.

Any father has the right to go to court at any time and ask to be declared the father and ask for custody and/or visitation rights. But some fathers do not get around to doing this until DAFS forces them into court on a child support case. Sometimes, fathers will ask for custody to avoid having to pay child support. If you are on TANF, DAFS can file a case (called a "Paternity" case) to establish that your abuser is the father in order to get support from him. But having your former partner declared the father allows him to ask the Family Court for an order allowing him to visit the children or even giving him custody of the children. Even if he does not win custody, you are forced to confront him again, in court. (See Section 9 of this manual for more information on paternity cases.)

All parents should pay child support, and in the long run, it may be worth your while to get a child support order. However, if you really believe you are in danger, you might be better off without it. Contact an advocate at one of the domestic violence agencies listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual, to talk about your options and/or get legal advice. Child support might not be worth compromising your health and safety, or the health and safety of your children.

13. Are there any advantages to legally establishing that my abuser is the children's father?

There are some advantages:

• If the father should die or become disabled, and paternity has been established, it will probably be easier for you to get Social Security benefits for the children.
• If paternity is not established, the children will have difficulty inheriting from their father or his family. Establishing paternity is more difficult if the father is dead.
• Your child may have a more complete medical history if his/her father's identity is established.

14. What other things will I have to do to qualify for TANF?

Unless you are exempt OR you qualify for a waiver due to domestic violence or some other circumstance, a number of Welfare Reform requirements may apply to you. The major ones are:

• Time Limit: You may be limited to receiving only 24 consecutive months of cash assistance, followed by 12 calendar months without assistance, before you are eligible to again receive benefits; - there is a lifetime limit of 60 calendar months of cash assistance;
• Work Program Requirement: you could be required to work (or do unpaid community service) for at least thirty hours each week. NEON is the Nevada employment and training program intended to reduce or eliminate welfare dependency by providing employment, education, training and support services to TANF recipients;
• Teen Parent Rules: young parents under 21 are required to go to school if they do not have a GED or high school diploma; parents under 18 are also required to live with a parent or relative or in a structured teen parent program unless they meet a waiver provision; and
• Immunizations Required: Each child receiving TANF assistance and not enrolled in school must receive the standard immunizations established by the Nevada State Health Division.

15. How do I qualify for an exemption?

You may be exempt from the work program requirement and the 24-month time limit if:

• you are disabled or are caring for a disabled member of your household;
• you are an adult, single custodial parent of a child who is less then one year of age
• you are a parent under age 18 and are in school or living in a teen living program;
• you are at least 60 years old, the relative and caretaker of a child (other than his/her parent); or
• you are suffering from any other condition or circumstance the social welfare manager deems to be a hardship.

You should tell your welfare caseworker if any of these fact situations apply to you. You should keep a photocopy of all applications for waivers or exemptions you make. If your application for a waiver or exemption is denied, you can file an appeal. (See Question 18).

16. What is the domestic violence waiver?

Women who are victims of past or current domestic violence may have some TANF requirements waived. The requirements that can be waived include the 24 consecutive month time limit, work requirements, the family cap exclusion and school attendance, as well as other requirements. To receive a domestic violence waiver, you need to show that without the waiver, you or your children would:

• be at risk of further domestic violence;
• have a harder time escaping the domestic violence; or
• be penalized because of being a victim of domestic violence.

For example, perhaps you need to be in hiding to be safe or you need to go to court, doctors, counseling or other appointments because of the violence. Perhaps you are suffering physical or emotional injuries or you need additional money to keep your safe apartment. Maybe you are just not ready to be off welfare because you need time to heal, or go to school, or get ready to work. All of these reasons and more could be grounds for a waiver.

You apply for a waiver by completing a form and gathering as much proof of the domestic violence and your circumstances as you can. You do not have to complete the form in the Welfare Office; you can take it with you and have someone help you, like your domestic violence advocate. If you are denied a waiver, you can appeal. Nevada Legal Services (386-0404) may be able to assist you in appealing a denial of waiver.

17. What if I am denied or disagree with what the Welfare Division does?

If you disagree with what the Welfare Division does, there are things you can do:

• Talk to your caseworker. See if you can resolve the problem.
• Talk to your caseworker's supervisor.
• Appeal.

To be safe, you may want to file an appeal of a termination, denial or reduction notice you think is wrong even though you are trying to work it out with the Welfare Office informally. That way you do not waste time and you can protect your benefits.

18. How do I file an appeal?

When the Welfare Division sends you a letter saying you are not eligible for benefits, or if they send you a letter telling you that they are stopping, reducing, or changing your benefits in any way, they will include information about how to appeal. There are an address and a fax number listed on the notices: you must mail or fax your appeal to the address or fax number indicated. You have 90 days to appeal a TANF denial, termination or reduction letter. See the Appendix to this section for more information. For assistance with your appeal, or if you are confused about whether you should appeal, call Nevada Legal Services at (702) 386-0404 to see if they can assist you. Remember to keep a photocopy of anything that you send to the Welfare Division.

19. If I am appealing a termination or reduction in my TANF benefits, can I continue to receive benefits?

If you are appealing a termination, reduction or other change in your grant and the appeal is received within 10 days after the effective date of the proposed change, the Welfare Division has to keep paying your benefits at the old level until you get your chance to have that decision reversed at an appeal hearing. Call Nevada Legal Services at (702) 386-0404, to see if they can assist you. Remember to keep a photocopy of anything that you send to the Welfare Division.

20. What happens if I lose my appeal?

If you lose your appeal hearing, the Welfare Office can take back the extra money they paid you while you were waiting for your appeal decision. That money will be considered an "overpayment." If you are still on TANF, the Welfare Office can't take the money back all at once; your benefits will continue, but they will be reduced until the full amount of the "overpayment" is repaid. Although the Welfare Division can hold back the "overpayment" you owe out of your TANF checks, they must leave you with enough of a grant so that your gross income plus your grant equal 90% of a full grant for a family your size.

21. What if the Welfare Office doesn't let me apply?

Anyone can file an application. You may not be eligible, but you have the right to apply. Do not take no for an answer. Ask to see a supervisor or the assistant director of the office if necessary. If you have signed and dated an application, and the Welfare Division determines you are not eligible, they will send you a "denial" notice in writing.

22. Are there programs other than TANF that can help with basic expenses?

Yes.

• Energy Assistance: A program, which pays a part of your electrical costs each winter that is run by certain community social service agencies. See the Energy Assistance Programs list provided by the Nevada Power Company on their website or the information in the Appendix to this Section.
• Emergency Assistance: A program funded by the Welfare Division, which may be able to provide you with emergency cash to keep you from being evicted.
• Surplus Food Giveaways: The U.S. Government gives away surplus food, such as peanut butter, cheese, and canned goods. Usually local Community Action Programs distribute the surplus food. Check the Emergency Food Resources listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.
• Food Pantries and other Local Private Programs: Check the Emergency Food Resources listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.
• Domestic Violence or Homeless Shelters: Some domestic violence and homeless shelters have surplus food and other items. (See the list in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.)
• Subsidized Housing: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson all have programs for subsidized housing and rent vouchers for low-income residents. Unfortunately, the demand is much greater than the supply and the waiting lists are long. Victims of domestic violence, especially if they are homeless because of abuse, sometimes get a higher priority or are eligible for special programs. Check the Housing Resources listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.
• Utility Discounts: Some utility companies have discounts and shutoff protection for low-income people. See the Energy Assistance Programs list provided by the Nevada Power Company on their website or the information in the Appendix to this Section.
• Veterans Benefits: If someone in the family is a veteran or is the spouse (including separated spouse) or child of a veteran, he/she may be eligible for federal veterans' benefits.

23. What if the gas and electric companies are threatening to cut me off?

Several agencies in Clark County have Energy Assistance Programs that may be able to assist you (See the Energy Assistance Programs list provided by the Nevada Power Company on their website or the information in the Appendix to this Section.). If you are applying for a protection order against domestic violence, you can ask the court to tell your abuser that he may not have your utilities shut off, even if the accounts are in his name and he is ordered to leave the home. (See Section 3 of this manual for more information on protection orders.)

24. What should I do about my telephone service?

If you are applying for a protection order against domestic violence, you can ask the court to tell your abuser that he may not have your telephone shut off, even if the account is in his name and he is ordered to leave the home. (See Section 5 of this manual for more information on protection orders.) You can also ask the judge to order that the account be transferred into your name (so that service can not be shut off without your permission). If you are receiving harassing telephone calls from your abuser, you may ask your local telephone carrier to change your telephone number (Sprint does this free of charge if you can demonstrate that you are a victim of domestic violence), or ask your customer service representative for information about telephone traps that can document the telephone number, dates and times when the harassing calls are made. You can also buy a device from Radio Shack that will provide a print-out of the Caller ID information on your telephone, to document the date, time and telephone number of the harassing telephone calls your receive on a land-based (non-cellular) telephone. You can get a free cellular telephone that is specially set to dial 911 only, free of charge from one of the local domestic violence agencies listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual.

25. What if I can't pay my rent and I am going to be evicted?

In most cases, even if you owe your landlord months of rent, your landlord cannot put you out of your apartment without taking you to court. The landlord has to file an eviction case in Justice Court. Before he files an eviction case, he has to send you a letter called a Notice to Quit. If you owe back rent, you can contact one of the emergency resource agencies listed in the Resource Section at the back of this manual to see if they can assist you.

You do not have to leave your apartment right away just because your landlord says you must. Also, you do not have to leave immediately when you get a Notice to Quit. After the date on the Notice to Quit passes, your landlord can send you a summons to come into Justice Court. At court, it will be decided whether or not you must leave, and when. The judge might decide that you do not have to leave, and might even decide that your landlord owes you money if he has not acted properly under the law. If the judge says you must leave, you can still ask for time before you have to move out. You can call Nevada Legal Services at (702) 386-0404 and ask for help in getting and completing the necessary forms. Remember, only a judge can decide whether your landlord can evict you. You do not have to leave before a judge says you must.

26. If I am disabled or too sick to work, but don't have any children, can I get money for basic expenses?

You may be entitled to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You can also apply for Social Security if either you are a dependent of someone receiving Social Security. Social Security provides benefits to "insured" disabled, retired and elderly people, and their dependents. To be insured, a person must have to have paid into the Social Security system. Your monthly benefit level depends on the insured person's amount of earnings. SSI provides monthly benefits and health coverage to persons who are disabled, blind or at least 65 years of age and needy. There are no dependent's benefits. You do not have to be "insured" to receive SSI. There are income and resource limits. Your monthly benefit level depends on your income and living arrangement. You apply for Social Security and SSI at your local SSA office, listed in the telephone book under United States Government, Social Security Administration. You may call their toll-free number for general information: 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Proceed to Section 2 Part 2: How Can I Make It On My Own? (Appendix) >