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Disabled? Get your stimulus bonus

From Social Security benefits to student loan forgiveness, Gerri Willis answers your financial questions.

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By Gerri Willis, CNN personal finance editor

home_rich_cover.03.jpg
For more information on managing your largest investment, check out Gerri Willis' 'Home Rich,' now in bookstores.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Question 1. We heard you mention forgiveness of law school loans. Our son and daughter-in-law are both new attorneys saddled with law school loans and we'd love to help them find more information, if possible. -- Paul and Mari

Many law schools forgive the loans of students who serve in public interest or non-profit positions. For more information, contact Equal Justice Works at equaljusticeworks.org.

The American Bar Association also has a summary of Loan Repayment Assistance Programs. Go to abanet.org. For more information on student loan forgiveness, check out finaid.org.

Question 2. Folks are going to get $15 - $25 raise in their weekly/bi-weekly paychecks. What about us, who are on Social Security and disabled? -- Howard, New York

You're referring to the "Making Work Pay" tax credit where employees will see a little less money withheld from each paycheck for federal income tax.

That turns out to be an extra $10 - $20 on a weekly paycheck in some cases.

Now, if you don't make an income - you won't qualify.

However, the stimulus bill also provided a one time payment of $250 for folks who are receiving Social Security. You should see a check in the mail by late May. You don't have to apply for anything. For more information, go to ssa.gov.

Question 3. II have heard that I can get one free (really free) credit report annually from the 3 major bureaus. Can you give me the site? I am about to file for bankruptcy and have no money to spare. -- Andrea

The site you're looking for is annualcreditreport.com. You can also request a copy over the phone at 1-877-322-8228. Here you can get a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

There may be other sites that offer to get your credit report for free, but there are usually strings attached. To top of page

Got a financial dilemma? Go to cnnmoney.com/helpdesk to submit questions, read the Help Desk articles and check out new Help Desk videos. And tune in to CNN's Newsroom Tuesdays and Fridays, when Gerri Willis and other experts answer your questions.
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