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SLO County Health Access Update
Connecting Children Ages 0-5 to Health Care
July 2021
Information and articles from these newsletters are housed on the San Luis Obispo County Health Access website. The website is updated frequently and is intended as a resource for professionals working with children ages 0-5 and their families. Please visit: SLOHealthAccess.org
New landlord - tenant clinic in downtown SLO
The SLO Legal Assistance Foundation (SLOLAF) is now operating a landlord - tenant clinic at the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse. The Clinic provides free help to low-income landlords and tenants who are navigating the eviction process without an attorney. 
The Clinic coordinator is bilingual English/Spanish and can help eligible participants file and respond to unlawful detainer (eviction) complaints, prepare notices, proof of service, and all other court forms and filings related to evictions, including getting security deposits back. These services are available regardless of citizenship status. 

Walk-in service available at 1050 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo.
Monday - Thursday 9am - noon and 1 - 4pm. Friday 9am - noon.
Email: landlordtenantclinic@slolaf.org Phone: 805-548-0797
Download the flyer in English and Spanish.
It’s not too late! Parents who didn’t file taxes can still receive child tax credits
Monthly payments: In July, millions of families will begin receiving six monthly payments of as much as $300 per child from the IRS. The payments are a partial advance of the expanded child tax credit that would normally be claimed on next year’s tax return. But to help families pay bills now, they will get half of the credit early.

Most families will receive these payments automatically as a direct deposit or a check in the mail. Families can check their status, update bank account information, and opt out of advance payments here.
Parents didn't file taxes? Some low-income parents did not file taxes. If the IRS does not have their information, they will not receive child tax credits of up to $3,600 per child. The solution? A new IRS website lets parents who are not required to file taxes claim their child tax credit.
More information is available through these two sites: Advance Child Tax Credit eligibility assistant: https://apps.irs.gov/app/ctceligible/

Watch out for scams. Whenever there is money, there are scammers. Warn families that they don’t need any help getting this IRS credit. If someone calls, texts, or emails and suggests they can “get you the Advance Child Tax Credit payments by working with the IRS on your behalf,” it’s a scam!
Expanded services for immigrant residents
The Immigrant Legal Defense Center is now serving San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties in addition to Santa Barbara County. Families who need representation in immigration court can call 805-886-9136.

Services are available for asylum seekers and unaccompanied children. The Center provides bond representation, removal defense, community education and clinics. https://www.sbimmigrantdefense.org/
Health access information at SLOHealthAccess.org
SLOHealthAccess.org has a wealth of information to help you help families, with local resources related to:
  • Practical Resources for Basic Needs
  • Behavioral Health
  • Immigration: safety and service access  
  • Dental
  • Prescriptions
  • Medi-Cal & Covered CA
  • Transportation
  • Special Needs   
  • Parental Substance Use, and 
  • Resources to help parents advocate for services

General needs and system navigation:
Send families in need of help to their local Family Resource Center. Download the Family Resource Center Directory here

Can't find an answer? 
Let us know and we will find you the information you are looking for. For general questions about health access and health care reform, contact:
Becca Carsel, Health Access Project Director, 
at (805) 674-0776 or becca@carselgroup.com