FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Little Clarity
Goes a Long Way.
Goes a Long Way.
Find answers to common questions about our services, applications, documents, and what to expect along the way. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help.
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General Questions About Untangle
Can you help if I have already submitted an application?
Yes. We can review the information you submitted, help you understand
notices or requests you receive, identify documents that may still be
needed, and explain the next steps. The type of assistance available
will depend on the application and its current status.
notices or requests you receive, identify documents that may still be
needed, and explain the next steps. The type of assistance available
will depend on the application and its current status.
How do I know which service or program is right for me?
You do not need to make that decision on your own. We will discuss your
situation, review the basic program requirements, and help you identify
the services or assistance programs that may fit your needs. Final
eligibility decisions are made by the appropriate agency.
situation, review the basic program requirements, and help you identify
the services or assistance programs that may fit your needs. Final
eligibility decisions are made by the appropriate agency.
Do I need to know exactly what kind of help I need before contacting you?
No. You can start by telling us what you are trying to accomplish, what
problem you are facing, or what letter or application you received.
We will help you organize the information and determine what kind of
assistance may be appropriate.
problem you are facing, or what letter or application you received.
We will help you organize the information and determine what kind of
assistance may be appropriate.
Is Untangle a government agency or law firm?
No. Untangle Assist is an independent assistance service. We are not a
government agency or law firm, and we do not provide legal advice or
legal representation. We help clients understand information, organize
documents, complete forms, and navigate administrative processes.
government agency or law firm, and we do not provide legal advice or
legal representation. We help clients understand information, organize
documents, complete forms, and navigate administrative processes.
Can you help if my application or claim was denied?
Yes. We can help you review the denial notice, understand the stated
reason, identify deadlines or missing information, and organize the
documents needed for the next step. When a matter requires legal
advice or representation, we will recommend contacting a qualified
attorney.
reason, identify deadlines or missing information, and organize the
documents needed for the next step. When a matter requires legal
advice or representation, we will recommend contacting a qualified
attorney.
Getting Started
What documents should I bring or prepare?
The documents you need depend on the service or program. Common
examples include identification, proof of income, relevant bills,
and any applications or notices you have received. Contact us
before your appointment so we can help you determine what to prepare.
examples include identification, proof of income, relevant bills,
and any applications or notices you have received. Contact us
before your appointment so we can help you determine what to prepare.
Can you tell me what documents are missing?
Yes. We can review what you already have, compare it with the
application requirements or a request you received, and help you
identify what is still needed. The agency may request additional
information as it reviews your application.
application requirements or a request you received, and help you
identify what is still needed. The agency may request additional
information as it reviews your application.
Can we meet remotely, or do I need to come to the office?
Contact us to discuss the appointment options available for your
situation. We will confirm whether your request can be handled
remotely or whether an in-person meeting is needed, along with
any documents you should have ready.
situation. We will confirm whether your request can be handled
remotely or whether an in-person meeting is needed, along with
any documents you should have ready.
Can you communicate with an agency or organization on my behalf?
In some situations, we can help with administrative communication
with your permission and any authorization the organization requires.
You may need to join a call or provide information directly.
We will confirm what assistance is possible for your request.
This does not include legal representation.
with your permission and any authorization the organization requires.
You may need to join a call or provide information directly.
We will confirm what assistance is possible for your request.
This does not include legal representation.
How long does the process usually take?
Timing depends on the type of request, whether your documents are
complete, and the reviewing organization’s processing time.
We can explain the steps involved and help you identify deadlines,
but we cannot guarantee when an agency will make its decision.
complete, and the reviewing organization’s processing time.
We can explain the steps involved and help you identify deadlines,
but we cannot guarantee when an agency will make its decision.
Fees and Payment
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. Your initial consultation is always free. We will discuss
your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we may
be able to help. There is no obligation to use our services.
your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we may
be able to help. There is no obligation to use our services.
Are government application fees included in your service fee?
Government application fees and fees for our assistance are
different charges. Before proceeding, please confirm what your
service quote includes and whether any separate agency fees
apply to your application.
different charges. Before proceeding, please confirm what your
service quote includes and whether any separate agency fees
apply to your application.
What happens if additional help is needed after my application is submitted?
Contact us and describe the additional help you need, including
any new notice or request you received. Whether that assistance
is included depends on the scope of your original service.
Please confirm any additional costs with us before proceeding.
any new notice or request you received. Whether that assistance
is included depends on the scope of your original service.
Please confirm any additional costs with us before proceeding.
Applications and Documents
Can you provide a list of necessary documents?
Yes. Once we understand which application or service you need
help with, we can provide a document checklist based on the
requirements and your situation. The reviewing organization
may request additional information during the process.
help with, we can provide a document checklist based on the
requirements and your situation. The reviewing organization
may request additional information during the process.
Can you help me understand letters or notices I receive?
Yes. We can review a letter with you, explain its administrative
instructions in plain language, and help identify any requested
documents, deadlines, or next steps. If the notice raises
questions that require legal advice, we will recommend
contacting a qualified attorney.
instructions in plain language, and help identify any requested
documents, deadlines, or next steps. If the notice raises
questions that require legal advice, we will recommend
contacting a qualified attorney.
Can you help me respond to a request for additional information?
Yes. We can help you identify what is being requested, organize
supporting documents, and follow the response instructions.
Share the complete notice with us, including all pages and
the deadline, so we can review what assistance is appropriate.
supporting documents, and follow the response instructions.
Share the complete notice with us, including all pages and
the deadline, so we can review what assistance is appropriate.
What should I do if my circumstances change after I apply?
Contact us so we can help you check the reporting instructions
for your application. Changes in income, employment, address,
or household circumstances may need to be reported directly
to the agency. Notifying Untangle alone does not update your
application with that agency.
for your application. Changes in income, employment, address,
or household circumstances may need to be reported directly
to the agency. Notifying Untangle alone does not update your
application with that agency.
Can you help with renewals or redeterminations?
Yes. We can help you review your renewal notice, organize
updated documents, and complete the required paperwork.
Contact us when you receive the notice so there is time
to prepare before the stated deadline.
updated documents, and complete the required paperwork.
Contact us when you receive the notice so there is time
to prepare before the stated deadline.
How will I know whether my application was approved?
The reviewing organization will communicate its decision,
typically through a written notice or your online account.
A submission confirmation does not mean your application
has been approved. We can help you review the decision
and understand any dates, conditions, or next steps listed.
typically through a written notice or your online account.
A submission confirmation does not mean your application
has been approved. We can help you review the decision
and understand any dates, conditions, or next steps listed.
Benefits and Financial Assistance
Can you help me determine whether I may qualify for Medicaid?
Yes. We can discuss your situation, review the basic requirements
for the relevant Medicaid program, and help you identify the
information needed to apply. This review is not an approval
or a guarantee of coverage. The agency makes the final
eligibility decision.
for the relevant Medicaid program, and help you identify the
information needed to apply. This review is not an approval
or a guarantee of coverage. The agency makes the final
eligibility decision.
Can you help with SNAP or food assistance?
Yes. We can help you understand the SNAP application, organize
supporting documents, and prepare the information requested
about your household. We can also help you read notices and
understand requests for additional information.
supporting documents, and prepare the information requested
about your household. We can also help you read notices and
understand requests for additional information.
Can you help with utility assistance through LIHEAP?
Yes. We can help you review application information, organize
utility bills and other requested documents, and identify
the appropriate local agency to contact. If you have received
a disconnection notice, let us know when you contact us.
Untangle does not provide utility payments directly.
utility bills and other requested documents, and identify
the appropriate local agency to contact. If you have received
a disconnection notice, let us know when you contact us.
Untangle does not provide utility payments directly.
Can you help seniors or people with disabilities reduce Medicare costs?
We can help you explore Medicare Savings Programs, review
application requirements, and organize the documents needed
to apply. We can also help you understand the assistance
described in an approval notice. Eligibility and the type
of help available depend on the program.
application requirements, and organize the documents needed
to apply. We can also help you understand the assistance
described in an approval notice. Eligibility and the type
of help available depend on the program.
Can you help with an SSI application?
Yes. We can help you organize information for a Supplemental
Security Income application, understand form instructions,
and prepare requested documents. Our assistance is administrative;
we do not make disability determinations or guarantee approval.
Social Security reviews the application and makes the decision.
Security Income application, understand form instructions,
and prepare requested documents. Our assistance is administrative;
we do not make disability determinations or guarantee approval.
Social Security reviews the application and makes the decision.
Can I apply for more than one benefit program at the same time?
You may be able to apply for several programs, depending on
your circumstances. Each program has its own requirements,
and approval for one does not guarantee approval for another.
We can help you organize the applications and keep track
of the documents requested for each.
your circumstances. Each program has its own requirements,
and approval for one does not guarantee approval for another.
We can help you organize the applications and keep track
of the documents requested for each.
Will receiving one type of assistance affect my eligibility for another?
It depends on the programs involved. Different programs treat
income and other assistance differently. Tell us which
benefits you currently receive so we can help you identify
the relevant requirements and any questions that need
clarification from the agency.
income and other assistance differently. Tell us which
benefits you currently receive so we can help you identify
the relevant requirements and any questions that need
clarification from the agency.
Can you help if my benefits were reduced or discontinued?
Yes. We can help you review the notice, identify the stated
reason and any deadlines, and organize documents for a response.
Contact us promptly and keep every page of the notice.
If the situation requires legal advice or representation,
we will recommend contacting a qualified attorney.
reason and any deadlines, and organize documents for a response.
Contact us promptly and keep every page of the notice.
If the situation requires legal advice or representation,
we will recommend contacting a qualified attorney.
Can you help me understand an approval or denial notice?
Yes. We can walk through the notice with you and help you
identify what was approved or denied, the dates and amounts
listed, and any action requested. We can also help you
organize questions to ask the agency if something is
missing or unclear.
identify what was approved or denied, the dates and amounts
listed, and any action requested. We can also help you
organize questions to ask the agency if something is
missing or unclear.
Medical Bills and Insurance
Can you help me understand a medical bill?
Yes. We can review the charges, payments, adjustments, and
remaining balance with you. If you have an Explanation of
Benefits from your insurer, we can compare it with the bill
and help identify discrepancies or questions to raise with
the billing office.
remaining balance with you. If you have an Explanation of
Benefits from your insurer, we can compare it with the bill
and help identify discrepancies or questions to raise with
the billing office.
Can you help if my insurance claim was denied?
Yes. We can help you review the denial reason, identify
instructions and deadlines, and organize questions or supporting
documents for the provider or insurance company. Our assistance
does not guarantee that the insurer will reverse its decision
or pay the claim.
instructions and deadlines, and organize questions or supporting
documents for the provider or insurance company. Our assistance
does not guarantee that the insurer will reverse its decision
or pay the claim.
Can you help me apply for hospital financial assistance?
Yes. We can help you find the hospital’s financial assistance
application, review its instructions, and organize the requested
documents. We can also help you prepare questions about which
bills the program covers. The hospital determines eligibility
and the amount of assistance.
application, review its instructions, and organize the requested
documents. We can also help you prepare questions about which
bills the program covers. The hospital determines eligibility
and the amount of assistance.
Can you help negotiate a payment plan?
We can help you prepare a payment-plan request and, where
permitted and with your authorization, discuss available
arrangements with the billing office. We can also help you
understand the proposed payment amounts and terms.
Any arrangement must be accepted by you and the provider.
permitted and with your authorization, discuss available
arrangements with the billing office. We can also help you
understand the proposed payment amounts and terms.
Any arrangement must be accepted by you and the provider.
What should I do if a medical bill has been sent to collections?
Keep the collection notice, original bills, insurance statements,
and payment records together. We can help you compare these
documents and organize questions about the account. Untangle
does not provide legal advice or representation. If you receive
court papers or need advice about your legal rights, contact
a qualified attorney promptly.
and payment records together. We can help you compare these
documents and organize questions about the account. Untangle
does not provide legal advice or representation. If you receive
court papers or need advice about your legal rights, contact
a qualified attorney promptly.
FAFSA and Education Assistance
Can you help me complete the FAFSA?
Yes. We can explain the form’s questions, help you organize
the information you need, and guide you through completing
your application. You remain in control of your account
and review your information before submitting. Please do
not share your account password with us.
the information you need, and guide you through completing
your application. You remain in control of your account
and review your information before submitting. Please do
not share your account password with us.
What information do I need to complete the FAFSA?
Contact us before your appointment so we can help you
prepare a checklist for the application year and your
circumstances. We can walk through the instructions with
you and identify which personal, financial, and family
information you should have ready.
prepare a checklist for the application year and your
circumstances. We can walk through the instructions with
you and identify which personal, financial, and family
information you should have ready.
Can you help correct or update a submitted FAFSA?
Yes. We can help you review the information you submitted
and check the instructions for the correction or update
you need. If the issue requires assistance from your
school’s financial aid office, we can help you organize
the details and questions to bring to them.
and check the instructions for the correction or update
you need. If the issue requires assistance from your
school’s financial aid office, we can help you organize
the details and questions to bring to them.
Can you help me understand my financial aid offer?
Yes. We can walk through the offer with you, help you
distinguish grants and scholarships from loans and work-study,
and organize the costs and conditions listed. We can also
help you prepare questions for the school about anything
that is unclear.
distinguish grants and scholarships from loans and work-study,
and organize the costs and conditions listed. We can also
help you prepare questions for the school about anything
that is unclear.
What happens if my family’s financial situation has changed?
Contact your school’s financial aid office to explain
the change and ask what review options may be available.
We can help you summarize your circumstances and organize
the documents the school requests. We cannot guarantee
an adjustment or additional financial aid.
the change and ask what review options may be available.
We can help you summarize your circumstances and organize
the documents the school requests. We cannot guarantee
an adjustment or additional financial aid.
Immigration Forms
Can you help me complete Form N-400, I-485, or I-90?
Yes. We offer administrative assistance with these forms,
including entering information you provide and organizing
paperwork. We do not select an immigration benefit for you,
determine your legal eligibility, or advise you how to answer
questions that require legal judgment. If you are unsure
which form to file, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
including entering information you provide and organizing
paperwork. We do not select an immigration benefit for you,
determine your legal eligibility, or advise you how to answer
questions that require legal judgment. If you are unsure
which form to file, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Can you represent me before USCIS or in immigration court?
No. Untangle is not a law firm and does not provide legal
representation before USCIS or in immigration court.
Our services are limited to administrative assistance.
If you need representation, we recommend contacting
a qualified immigration attorney.
representation before USCIS or in immigration court.
Our services are limited to administrative assistance.
If you need representation, we recommend contacting
a qualified immigration attorney.
What happens if my immigration situation requires legal advice?
We will explain the limits of our assistance and recommend
that you speak with a qualified immigration attorney before
proceeding with the part of your request that requires legal
advice. We can help organize your existing paperwork
for that consultation.
that you speak with a qualified immigration attorney before
proceeding with the part of your request that requires legal
advice. We can help organize your existing paperwork
for that consultation.
Can you help organize supporting documents for my application?
Yes. We can help sort, label, and organize documents using
the published checklist or instructions from your attorney.
We do not decide which evidence establishes legal eligibility
or whether your documents are legally sufficient for approval.
the published checklist or instructions from your attorney.
We do not decide which evidence establishes legal eligibility
or whether your documents are legally sufficient for approval.
Can you help me understand a USCIS notice or request for evidence?
We can help you locate the deadline, submission instructions,
and documents named in the notice. We do not interpret its
legal implications or decide how to respond to legal concerns.
For a request for evidence that requires legal analysis,
we recommend review by a qualified immigration attorney.
and documents named in the notice. We do not interpret its
legal implications or decide how to respond to legal concerns.
For a request for evidence that requires legal analysis,
we recommend review by a qualified immigration attorney.
After Submission
What happens after my application is submitted?
The reviewing organization processes your application and may
contact you for additional information or an interview.
Keep a copy of your application and submission confirmation,
and check your mail and any relevant online account.
A submission confirmation is not an approval.
contact you for additional information or an interview.
Keep a copy of your application and submission confirmation,
and check your mail and any relevant online account.
A submission confirmation is not an approval.
Will Untangle track the status of my application?
Please confirm with us whether status checks are included
in your service. We can help you understand how to check
for updates, but we do not automatically receive every
notice sent to you. Continue checking your mail and
online account even when we are assisting you.
in your service. We can help you understand how to check
for updates, but we do not automatically receive every
notice sent to you. Continue checking your mail and
online account even when we are assisting you.
What should I do if I receive a letter, notice, or phone call?
Keep the complete notice or make a note of the caller’s name,
organization, and request. Contact us if you need help
understanding the message, especially if a deadline is listed.
If you are unsure who contacted you, verify the request
through the organization’s official contact information
before sharing personal details.
organization, and request. Contact us if you need help
understanding the message, especially if a deadline is listed.
If you are unsure who contacted you, verify the request
through the organization’s official contact information
before sharing personal details.
Can you help if the agency asks for additional documents?
Yes. We can help you review the request, identify the
documents named, and organize your response according
to the submission instructions. Share all pages of the
notice with us so we can see the deadline and confirm
what assistance is needed.
documents named, and organize your response according
to the submission instructions. Share all pages of the
notice with us so we can see the deadline and confirm
what assistance is needed.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
The next steps depend on the application and the deadline
involved. Contact the reviewing organization promptly
to ask about your application status and available options.
We can help you review the notice and organize questions,
but we cannot guarantee an extension or acceptance
of a late response.
involved. Contact the reviewing organization promptly
to ask about your application status and available options.
We can help you review the notice and organize questions,
but we cannot guarantee an extension or acceptance
of a late response.
Can Untangle help with an appeal?
We can help with administrative preparation, such as
organizing notices and records and locating the appeal
instructions and deadlines provided by the agency.
We do not provide legal advice, develop legal arguments,
or offer legal representation. If your appeal requires
those services, we recommend contacting a qualified attorney.
organizing notices and records and locating the appeal
instructions and deadlines provided by the agency.
We do not provide legal advice, develop legal arguments,
or offer legal representation. If your appeal requires
those services, we recommend contacting a qualified attorney.
Still Have Questions?
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll help you understand what comes next.
Your initial consultation is always free.
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