One Story

Situation: A man took out a payday loan for $300 at more than 250% interest. He lost his job some months later and was living on unemployment benefits. He was unable to make the payment to the payday lender.

When he signed up for the line of credit, the company had him sign an authorization allowing them to take money directly from his bank account in case of default.

They used this authorization to take his unemployment benefits, which were the only funds in his account. Taking these unemployment benefits from his account violates the law.

Action: The client came to Legal Aid for help. Our attorney requested that the lender return the funds, but they refused. The Legal Aid attorney drafted a complaint and mailed it to the payday lending company's CEO, asking him to accept service.

Result: As a result of the letter, the company returned the money. The man now has income from unemployment to support himself while he looks for a new job.

Our Services

When you give a gift to support Legal Aid's Willmar Office, you are helping to:

• Prevent homelessness
• Secure resources for basic needs
• Improve substandard housing
• Protect consumers
• Aid victims of domestic violence/sexual assault to have safer lives
• Help immigrants find better lives

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's Willmar Office advocates for the rights of disadvantaged people in Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, La qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Meeker, Renville, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties.

To learn more about Legal Aid and the people we serve, go to www.mylegalaid.org .