Puerto Rico
Debt collection in Puerto Rico: your rights, prescription periods and how to respond
If a collection agency calls or writes to you, you have real rights under both federal and Puerto Rico law. This guide explains what collectors can and can't do, how long they have to collect, and how to protect yourself.
Read Puerto RicoBuilding credit in Puerto Rico: what's the same, what's different
Building credit in Puerto Rico follows the same federal rules and uses the same credit bureaus as the 50 states, but there are local details — like compound last names, urbanización addresses, and cooperativas — that you should know to protect and grow your credit history.
Read Puerto RicoCooperativas vs banks in Puerto Rico: where to open an account or get a loan
In Puerto Rico, you have two main options for managing your money: cooperativas de ahorro y crédito (credit unions) and commercial banks. Understanding the differences can help you save money on fees and get better loan terms.
Read Puerto RicoSelf-employed in Puerto Rico: SURI, IVU, patente municipal and Social Security taxes
If you work for yourself in Puerto Rico — as a freelancer, gig worker, or independent seller — you have tax responsibilities with Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Treasury Department), your municipality, and the federal IRS that are different from those of a regular employee. This guide walks you through the main steps to operate legally and avoid penalties.
Read Puerto RicoCrédito por Trabajo: Puerto Rico's own earned income credit, explained
The Crédito por Trabajo (EITC-PR) — Puerto Rico's earned income tax credit — is a refundable tax credit offered by Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Department of the Treasury) to workers with low or moderate incomes. If you qualify, you could get money back even if you don't owe any taxes.
Read Puerto RicoThe Child Tax Credit for Puerto Rico families: who qualifies and how to claim it
Starting with tax year 2021, families in Puerto Rico with one or more qualifying children can claim the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) — even if they don't owe federal taxes. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Read Puerto RicoHacienda or the IRS? Who files what when you live in Puerto Rico
If you live in Puerto Rico, you most likely file with Hacienda (Puerto Rico's Treasury Department), not the IRS — but there are important exceptions you need to know so you don't make costly mistakes.
Read Puerto RicoHurricane damage repair money: FEMA, SBA disaster loans and CDBG-DR, step by step
If a hurricane damaged your home in Puerto Rico, there are three main sources of help: FEMA, low-interest loans from the SBA, and CDBG-DR funds managed by the Departamento de la Vivienda (Puerto Rico's Housing Department). This guide walks you through how to access each one, step by step, with no promises about specific results.
Read Puerto RicoCRIM property tax in Puerto Rico: exemptions, payment plans and clearing a debt
CRIM (Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales — Puerto Rico's municipal tax collection agency) collects property taxes in Puerto Rico and offers exemptions, payment plans, and amnesty programs that could help you lower or pay off what you owe. Knowing your options early can protect you from penalties, interest charges, and even losing a home sale.
Read Puerto RicoBuying a home in Puerto Rico with help: AFV/PRHFA programs, FHA, USDA and VA loans
If you have low or moderate income and dream of owning your first home in Puerto Rico, programs like those from the AFV, plus FHA, VA, and USDA loans, can help you cover the down payment and closing costs. Rules change often, so always check with the agency before making any decisions.
Read Puerto RicoPublic housing (residenciales) in Puerto Rico: how to apply with AVP
The Administración de Vivienda Pública (AVP) — Puerto Rico's Public Housing Administration — manages about 325 public housing communities across the island, where rent is based on your income. This guide explains how to apply, what documents you need, and what your rights are as a resident.
Read Puerto RicoSection 8 in Puerto Rico: how vouchers work with Vivienda and the municipal housing authorities
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps low- and moderate-income families in Puerto Rico pay rent by covering the difference between what you can afford and the actual cost of an apartment. Here we explain how it works, who runs it, and what steps you can take today.
Read Puerto RicoWIC, LIHEAP and TANF in Puerto Rico: the smaller programs that add up
WIC, LIHEAP, and TANF are three government programs that can help you cover food, electricity, and basic expenses if your family has low or moderate income in Puerto Rico. Here we explain how they work, what makes them unique on the island, and how to get started applying.
Read Puerto RicoThere is no SSI in Puerto Rico: what seniors and people with disabilities can get instead
If you live in Puerto Rico, SSI is not available to you — but there are other federal and local programs that can help older adults and people with disabilities. This guide explains which programs you may be able to apply for, how they work, and what steps you can take today.
Read Puerto RicoPlan Vital explained: Puerto Rico's Medicaid and why there's no Obamacare marketplace
Plan Vital is Puerto Rico's Medicaid and CHIP program, managed by ASES (the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration), and it covers low- and moderate-income families who can't afford private insurance. Unlike the 50 states, Puerto Rico has no Obamacare marketplace and no tax credits to help buy coverage.
Read Puerto RicoPAN in Puerto Rico: how it differs from SNAP and how to apply
PAN (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional — Puerto Rico's food assistance program) is managed by ADSEF and works differently from the SNAP benefits available in the 50 states. Here we explain how it works, what makes it different, and how you can apply.
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