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FAQ: Can We Help?

What is a Debt Management Plan?
Our Debt Management Plan or DMP sets up a payment schedule for you to repay your debts. By voluntary agreement, you deposit funds with our agency each month. We send those funds directly to your creditors.

You may also receive a reduction in finance and waiver of other charges. When you have completed your payments, we will assist you in reestablishing credit. A DMP serves the dual role of:

  • Helping you repay your debt.
  • Helping creditors to receive the money owed to them.

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If I enroll in a DMP, can I continue to use my credit cards?
No. As a rule, your creditors will close your lines of credit. In limited cases one credit card may be maintained for emergencies.

When you complete the DMP, some creditors will help you reestablish your credit.

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How much do your services cost?
Many of our counseling and educational programs are offered at no cost to you. Housing counseling is provided at no cost. For individuals who enter into our Debt Management Plan (DMP), there is a $50 set-up fee and a $25 minimal monthly contribution fee. Credit Report Counseling, has a fee of $65 for an individual and $75 for a couple. Pre-filing Bankruptcy Counseling clients are charged a fee of $50. Fee reduction or waiver to those consumers demonstrating an inability to pay the requested fee, e.g. those living below the poverty line, is standard practice. Services are provided without regard to ability to pay.

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Are most creditors willing to work with your agency?
Yes, most creditors support our services. However, if for some reason they do not, we will still work with them to reduce your payments.

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How long will it take my creditors to accept the proposals sent by CCCS?
The creditors usually accept proposals within 90 days of the date they were received.

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When will the late/ over limit fees stop on my account?
Fees usually stop after the third consecutive payment posts to your account, after the proposal is accepted.

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What happens if I miss one monthly payment?
If a payment is not received by your creditor within your billing cycle, the creditor may charge a past due fee. This may cause your creditor to discontinue your account from the DMP.

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How often are payments disbursed to creditors?
We disburse payments twice a week, and also the last day of every month. ACH and online payments are held for three business days before being disbursed to creditors. Click here for current disbursement calendar.

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Do you accept personal checks?
Payments must be made in the form of money order, certified check, or bank check. We offer online payments as well as automatic withdrawal from your checking/ savings account.

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How do I add a bill to my existing CCCSDV account?
To add a creditor to your plan, send a current statement to our Customer Service Department.

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How does a DMP program differ from Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Our DMP is voluntary for both you and your creditors. Therefore, all creditors may not waive interest. However, when you have repaid your debts, our credit recovery program will help you regain your credit.

In contrast, when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it becomes public record. The court will administer the plan and all interest will be stopped. You may also have difficulty obtaining credit in the future.

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