"About a year ago a very tiny, starving little kitten was dropped off and we nursed her back to health. Every night when I came home from work she was waiting at the top of the stairs, and I would see her open her mouth and stretch her head out to be petted. Now, for the first time in my life, I can hear her meow. This may not mean much to a lot of people but I can't tell you how much it means to me. I still don't understand what she's saying but at least I can hear her! Thank you for that ability."

The Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) within the Department of Labor & Industry recently released a fantastic booklet titled Hearing Aids & Assistive Devices: What You Need to Know ( download your copy by clicking here). This booklet covers everything you need to know about hearing aids, telecommunication devices, and other hearing assistive technology. Topics include how to get started, funding options, an extensive list of examples of hearing assistive technology with descriptions, and a thorough resource section.

More resources provided by the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Visit our resources page for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

We're always looking for alternative ways to present information clearly. This new infographic displays in visual terms what we're all about at PATF.

Including everything from key statistics to our core values, and even a personal borrower story, this mini poster covers what we stand for, who we help, and how we help them.

Visit our website to view the infographic and obtain the accessible text version.

Delinquent Credit Facts

How long does negative information stay on my credit? It depends on the type of negative information. Here is a basic list:

• Collection accounts: Generally, about 7 years, depending on the age of the debt being collected. A collection account will stay on your credit report for seven years from the date of the last delinquency of the debt, which is also the same for a charged-off account. If you settle the debt, or eventually pay the debt in full, it will be listed as a paid collections account.
• Charged off accounts: 7 years.
• Late payments: 7 years.
• Bankruptcy: 7 years for completed Chapter 13 bankruptcies and 10 years for Chapter 7 bankruptcies.
• Foreclosure: 7 years.
• Public Record: Generally 7 years, although unpaid tax liens can remain indefinitely.