Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is CCCS?
- What can CCCS do for me?
- How do I know if my situation warrants getting CCCS involved?
- How do I schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor?
- What does a CCCS counseling session involve?
- Can CCCS fix my credit report or clean it up?
- How is CCCS funded?
- Will my credit rating be protected by using CCCS?
- How much does Debt Management Plan service cost?
- Will working with CCCS affect my credit?
- Will CCCS stop the annoying phone calls from collectors?
- Will CCCS contact my creditors in the Debt Management Plan?
- Why must all of my creditors be included in my Debt Management Plan (DMP)?
- What if a creditor does not accept the plan?
- Will my creditors still contact me?
- Will my creditors stop finance charges on my accounts now that I am working with CCCS?
- Will I receive a record of my payments to CCCS?
- Will I receive statements from my creditors?
- What payment options are available?
- When is my payment due?
- Can I increase my monthly payment to CCCS?
- What happens if I want to pay off my account early?
- What if my payment is late?
- What if I miss a payment?
- What if I lose my job while I'm enrolled on a DMP?
- Can my creditors take legal action against me while I'm enrolled in the Debt Management Plan (DMP)?
- Will creditors help me re-establish credit?
- What if I have to borrow money while on my Debt Management Plan (DMP)?
- What if I want to withdraw from the Debt Management Plan (DMP)?
- How long will my Debt Management Plan (DMP) take to complete?
- What can I do to ensure success in my Debt Management Plan (DMP)?
- What if I need to speak with my counselor?
- What is the cost of the bankruptcy pre-filing and debtor education sessions?
- How do I find a good bankruptcy attorney?
- Can my spouse and I complete the bankruptcy requirements together?
- How long does it take to complete the sessions?
- Who do I pay for this?
- What are the guidelines to apply for a fee waiver?
- How will I receive my certificate?
- Is there an expiration date for my certificate?
- Does "per household" refer only to spouses in the same household?
- Should I file a chapter 7 or chapter 13?
- QuickPay
- ADS (Auto-Deposit System)
- Mailing to our lockbox
- Western Union Quick Collect
- Phone Payment
- Gateway
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Confidential, knowledgeable and courteous service at all times
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Prompt and accurate information about our services
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Non-judgmental counseling by trained counselors
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A written statement of counselor recommendations
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Accurate, timely responses to questions and requests
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Monthly statements of any funds we receive from you and pay to your creditors
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Timely correction of any errors or mistakes made by CCCS or any of its agents
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Discontinue your relationship with CCCS at any time, for any reason
General Questions about CCCS
| Q: Who is CCCS? |
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A: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta (CCCS) is a national non-profit agency with a local name. Founded in 1964, CCCS is headquarters for CredAbility Network, a family of agencies with 18 offices located throughout north Georgia, south Florida, middle Mississippi and east Tennessee. In addition, we serve clients in all 50 states via Internet and telephone. Our mission is to help financially-distressed people move from crisis to control by providing compassionate service and innovative and practical solutions. We see ourselves as a financial emergency room, creating hope and inspiring lasting change. CCCS provides confidential budget counseling, comprehensive housing counseling, preventive money management education programs and debt management to consumers across the nation and from all walks of life. All our services are available in English and Spanish and, through a contracted arrangement for translation services with Language Line Services, in more than 170 other languages. CCCS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Governed by a community-based Board of Directors, CCCS is funded by creditors, clients, individual contributors and grants from corporations, foundations, and government agencies. |
| Q: What can CCCS do for me? |
A: We can:• Stop the calls• Help you avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy • Reduce your interest rates • Wipe out late and over-the-limit fees • Lower your monthly payment • Give you peace of mind • Empower you to pay off your debts within 3-5 years We can’t:• Repair your credit. If your credit report and score is damaged because you’ve been delinquent in the past, the only thing that can heal your credit is time. As you improve your payment history, consistently paying your bills on time and reducing your debt load, your credit will improve. |
| Q: How do I know if my situation warrants getting CCCS involved? |
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A: If you’re reading this, you’re concerned about your finances. Call us at 1-800-251-2227 to schedule a free budget counseling session. The counseling session should help you decide how much, if any, assistance you need. |
| Q: How do I schedule an appointment to speak with a counselor? |
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A: To schedule an appointment with a counselor, please call us now to speak with one of our representatives at 800-251-2227. Counseling appointments are available seven days a week. Please note appointment times may vary due to counseling type and availability.
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| Q: What does a CCCS counseling session involve? |
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A: It’s simple. You call 1-800-251-2227 any day of the week and schedule a free telephone or in-person counseling session. Or, you can check into our online counseling service, www.cccsatl.org, and we can get you started today. CCCS will review your finances, including your income, monthly expenses and debts, and help create a plan to achieve your financial goals.
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| Q: Can CCCS fix my credit report or clean it up? |
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A: No, only you can fix your credit report. If negative comments on your credit report are correct, they can remain in your file for up to seven years from the date of the last activity, except for bankruptcy, which can remain for up to 10 years. Avoid organizations that offer "credit repair". Upon completion of your debt management plan, we suggest that you obtain a copy of your credit report to ensure it is accurate. Under Federal Law you are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide comsumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for more information. In addition to consumers who are eligible for a free credit report through the Annual Credit Report Request Service; consumers in CO, GA, ME, MD, MA, NJ and VT are eligible for a free credit report under state law. For your convenience, CCCS has credit report request forms available at all branch offices, or by calling us. CCCS Client Services representatives are available around the clock. If you believe there are errors in your credit report, notify the credit bureau in writing. The bureau will follow up your request with the creditor. If the creditor agrees with your assessment, your report will be changed. |
| Q: How is CCCS funded? |
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A: CCCS has diversified income sources including service fees, grants, and community contributions from a wide variety of funders. In 2007, bankruptcy counseling and education fees accounted for 39% of our agency’s revenue, while grants from foundations, corporations and government agencies, service contracts and community contributions made up 20% of the agency’s funding sources. Other sources of income include donated services and investment income, as well as client and creditor contribution in partnership with Debt Management Plans. Grants and donation allowed us to provide free services to more than 125,000 consumers in 2007. Please click here for a current contributors list.
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| Q: Will my credit rating be protected by using CCCS? |
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A: Calling us for a free counseling session will in no way affect your credit score or credit report. Even if you enter a CCCS Debt Management Plan (DMP), we don’t report it to credit bureaus. However, each creditor deals with CCCS clients in a different way. Some creditors may report that your account is included on a DMP. Creditors may report your account as current when they receive our proposal, while some wait until they have received three consecutive payments through CCCS. They appreciate that you are honoring your debts rather than filing bankruptcy, and after seeing a consistent payment history through CCCS, may look at you as a better credit risk than the typical consumer. Other creditors will consider your account delinquent and will continue to report these delinquencies even though you are working with us. They will accept the payment and stop calling you, but they may still report negative information to credit bureaus. It is up to the individual creditor to make changes in the History of Payment column on your credit report. CCCS cannot remove information from your credit report, but we can assist you in contacting creditors for a review of your account.
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| Q: How much does Debt Management Plan service cost? |
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A: There is no charge for budget counseling. If you choose to enter a Debt Management Plan, you will be charged a monthly fee and/or file set-up fee depending on your state of residence. Debt repayment plans serve the dual role of helping you repay your debts and helping creditors receive the money owed them.
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| Q: Will working with CCCS affect my credit? |
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A: Calling CCCS for counseling in no way affects your credit score or report. Even if you enter a CCCS Debt Management Plan (DMP), we do not report your participation in our DMP to credit bureaus. However, be aware that each creditor deals with CCCS clients in a different way. Though CCCS makes no entries to your credit report, some creditors may report that your account is included on a DMP. Some creditors may report your account as current when they receive our proposal, while others wait until they have received three consecutive payments through CCCS. They appreciate that you are honoring your debts rather than filing bankruptcy, and after seeing a consistent payment history through CCCS, they may look at you as a better candidate for credit than the typical consumer. However, some creditors will consider your account delinquent; they will accept the payment from CCCS and stop calling you, but they may still report negative information to credit bureaus. It is up to the individual creditor to make changes in the "history of payment" column on your credit report. CCCS cannot remove information from your credit report, but we can assist you in contacting your creditors for a review of your account.
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| Q: Will CCCS stop the annoying phone calls from collectors? |
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A: Yes. In most cases, creditors will stop phone calls after a consumer enters a debt repayment plan with CCCS.
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| Q: Will CCCS contact my creditors in the Debt Management Plan? |
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A: CCCS sends a proposal letter to each of your creditors when you enter the plan and after you have submitted all of the documents requested by your counselor and made your first payment to CCCS. This letter advises each creditor that you have sought debt repayment assistance through CCCS and requests the creditor’s support. The proposal letter will identify the following for each creditor: • Your account number • Your total debt owed • Your net income • Your living expenses • The names of creditors in your plan • The amount owed to each creditor in your plan • Your proposed repayment amount for each creditor • The date the creditor may expect a payment • The reason for your plan |
| Q: Why must all of my creditors be included in my Debt Management Plan (DMP)? |
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A: Creditors work with CCCS because they know they will be treated fairly and equitably. In most cases, all unsecured debts that you owe must be included in the Debt Management Plan.
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| Q: What if a creditor does not accept the plan? |
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A: In the event that one of your creditors is unwilling to accept the proposed payment, our DMP Services Department will contact you to see if you can adjust your budget to meet the creditor’s requirements.
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| Q: Will my creditors still contact me? |
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A: Once creditors begin to receive regular payments through CCCS, they should stop calling you. If they continue to call after you are enrolled in the Debt Management Plan (DMP), do not refuse to talk to them. Instead, encourage them to contact us at 404-527-7630. Some creditor representatives may tell you that they do not accept CCCS payments or that they have never heard of us. Don’t be intimidated. We can verify whether a creditor does or does not accept our plan. The majority of creditors elect to work with us; some will accept payments from us, but will not confirm an accepted proposal. Call us for confirmation. You may continue to receive routine collection letters from your creditors during your first three months on a DMP. The majority of these letters are computer generated and are no cause for alarm. However, if you receive correspondence concerning legal action or regarding the transfer of your account from one creditor to another, please contact us so we can help you verify that your payments are posted correctly.
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| Q: Will my creditors stop finance charges on my accounts now that I am working with CCCS? |
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A: Many creditors agree to stop or reduce finance charges but not all. Also, creditors that agree to stop or reduce finance charges or late fees are likely to resume the charges if payments are missed. If your CCCS due date does not coincide with your creditors due dates you need to contact the creditors and request a change in due date. Some creditors will do so only at the request of the client.
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| Q: Will I receive a record of my payments to CCCS? |
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A: Each month you will receive a CCCS statement showing your payments, payments we have issued to your creditors and a summary of your accounts. The statement is composed of two sections. If you are mailing your payment to us, enclose the top section with your payment in the return envelope provided. Be sure our address is visible through the window of the return envelope. The top sections contain the following information: • Date the statement was issued • Your CCCS client number • Due date of your next payment • Amount of your next payment • A box to enter the amount deposited The bottom section of the statement is a record of your account: • Name of creditors • Creditor account numbers • Original balance of each account • Amount of payment disbursed to each creditor • Total payment made over the life of the plan • Current estimated balance of each account Keep in mind that the balances shown on your CCCS statement are only estimates and may vary from the balances on your creditor statements. Whey you entered our debt management plan, you submitted to your counselor the balance to each creditor. This established the beginning or original balance of your plan. Since some creditors continue to add finance charges while their customers are paying through CCCS, balances for these creditors may be larger than what is shown on your CCCS statement. If there are major differences between the balance on your creditor statements and what we display, or if you have any questions concerning your CCCS statement, please contact us at 404-527-7630. |
| Q: Will I receive statements from my creditors? |
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A: Unless a creditor has written off your account, you will usually continue to receive monthly statements. When you receive your monthly statements from CCCS, please compare them to the monthly statements from your creditors. It is essential to monitor your creditor statements monthly to ensure interest and late fee concessions are obtained, balances are within $50 of those reflected on your CCCS statement, and payments are posted correctly. We suggest you send a copy of each of these monthly statements every six months to our client services department (link to address). The balance on your CCCS statement can then be updated to include any finance charges or late fees added by your creditors. In addition, please advise Client Services at (number) immediately if any of your creditors’ and CCCS statements differ by more than $50. CCCS attempts to verify balances only as an account is nearing payoff.
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| Q: What payment options are available? |
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A: CCCS offers four convenient ways to make your Debt Management Plan (DMP) payments: This option is ideal if you get paid on an irregular schedule, or your income fluctuates from month to month. You decide when your account gets drafted, as opposed to ADS, which drafts on the same date or dates each month. Because QuickPay transactions are not guaranteed funds, they should be scheduled at least one week prior to your due date. Please note that QuickPay is not a same day service. If you post before 2:30 p.m. ET, it will be processed on the next business day. If you enter your payment after 2:30 p.m. ET, it will be processed on the second business day. We always recommend that you verify with your bank or credit union that the money was drafted. Because ADS transactions are not guaranteed funds, they should be scheduled at least one week prior to your due date. A $25 NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fee will apply on overdrafts. New York Residents: P.O. Box 404806 Atlanta, GA 30384-4806 California Residents: P.O. Box 404830 Atlanta, GA 30384-4830 All other states: Consumer Credit Counseling Service P.O. Box 198945 Atlanta, GA 30384-8945 When filling out the Western Union form: 1. The Payee is "CCCS of Atlanta" 2. The Code City is "Deposit Now" 3. The State is "Georgia" It costs about $12.50 per transaction. If there is a problem with the transaction, call 1-800-238-5772 to speak with a Quick Collect Customer Service Representative. Call us at 1-800-251-2227 and have your checking account number and bank routing number available. We will draft the requested amount from your checking account the next day. Because Phone Pay transactions are not guaranteed, they should be made at least one week prior to your due date. A $25 NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fee will apply on overdrafts.
If your bank or credit union allows electronic payments from your bank account you may be able to send your deposit from their website. Each bank is slightly different, but generally the requested information is the same. The information you’ll need to send us a payment is:
Atlanta, GA 30303
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| Q: When is my payment due? |
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A: You will work with your counselor to choose your due date. Your funds will be paid to the creditors approximately one week after your account has been debited. Funds drafted from your checking or savings account after the 23rd of the month may not be disbursed to your creditor until the following month. However, if you mail your deposit, it must be received in our office by the due date shown on your statement. Always mail your deposit in the envelope provided by CCCS. Note: Auto-Deposit is the easiest way to ensure timely deposits to CCCS and you don’t have to worry about mailing anything.
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| Q: Can I increase my monthly payment to CCCS? |
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A: Of course! Remember, your objective is to get out of debt as soon as possible. Whenever you have the good fortune of having extra money for CCCS to send to your creditors, you should do so. Extra funds will be distributed equitably to your creditors. This should reduce the amount of time estimated for the completion of your debt management plan.
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| Q: What happens if I want to pay off my account early? |
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A: When circumstances allow for an early payoff, contact your creditors for an estimate of the final payment amount. Then contact us to update balances to ensure funds are paid properly. Please make these final payments through CCCS, not to the creditor directly. Contact us for instructions on stopping your Auto-Deposit if you are paying your accounts in full.
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| Q: What if my payment is late? |
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A: You can eliminate late deposits by enrolling in Auto-Deposit. Late payments will be disbursed to creditors as soon as the funds are available. If you miss a payment, you can expect a call from your creditors wanting to know what happened, as well as additional interest, finance charges or late fees on your creditor statements. A CCCS representative may also contact you to offer support and assistance.
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| Q: What if I miss a payment? |
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A: You must make every effort to keep your agreement to make your full payments on time each month. If you miss two consecutive payments or three payments within a 6-month period, CCCS will consider your file inactive and may drop you from the Debt Management Plan (DMP). We advise all creditors on your plan when you have been dropped from the plan. In addition, creditors may drop you from the DMP and resume charging finance charges or late fees and may report this delinquency to credit reporting agencies. If you are having a problem making a deposit, please call us immediately. By keeping us informed, we are better able to work with your creditors to ensure the success of your DMP.
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| Q: What if I lose my job while I'm enrolled on a DMP? |
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A: If circumstances cause you to miss two consecutive payments, it may be necessary to close your debt management plan. Please contact us so that we can discuss the possibility of a review appointment to assist you until you have income again.
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| Q: Can my creditors take legal action against me while I'm enrolled in the Debt Management Plan (DMP)? |
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A: Most creditors prefer to receive payments through CCCS rather than go to court. Many stop legal action or hold judgments in suspension if they are receiving regular payments through CCCS. However, some creditors may elect to take legal action. If you receive a summons to court, follow all instructions of the court or your attorney. Contact CCCS immediately so we can assist you in determining if you need a follow-up appointment with your counselor. You may wish to provide the judge or mediator with a copy of your CCCS paperwork as evidence of your good faith effort to repay your debt. Please remember that CCCS does not provide legal advice and that you are responsible for engaging personal legal services if needed.
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| Q: Will creditors help me re-establish credit? |
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A: An increasing number of creditors will consider granting credit to CCCS graduates who have successfully completed their debt management plans. Upon satisfactory completion of your plan, ask us for names of creditors who may be willing to help you re-establish your credit.
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| Q: What if I have to borrow money while on my Debt Management Plan (DMP)? |
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A: The agreement you signed at the beginning of your DMP requests that you not seek any additional credit while you are a CCCS client. Should an emergency arise, please call us before you apply for any additional credit. Although CCCS cannot serve as a credit reference for you, we can provide you with a letter attesting to your payment record with us. Please allow five to seven days for processing this request.
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| Q: What if I want to withdraw from the Debt Management Plan (DMP)? |
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A: Your DMP is a voluntary plan on your part, our part and your creditors’ part. If you choose to withdraw, please notify CCCS and we will send you a reply confirming your withdrawal. We will notify your creditors that you have withdrawn from the DMP; however, you are responsible for making new payment arrangements.
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| Q: How long will my Debt Management Plan (DMP) take to complete? |
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A: Clients enrolling in a DMP receive an estimate of the length of time it will take to complete it. This written estimate, or pay-out forecast, identifies all debts that are included in your plan, the total estimated debt owed to each of your creditors, the proposed payment to each creditor, and the anticipated number of months necessary to eliminate the debt, assuming all payments are made on time and in full. As your plan progresses you may request an updated version of this forecast by contacting us at 1-800-251-2227.
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| Q: What can I do to ensure success in my Debt Management Plan (DMP)? |
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A: 1. Make your deposits on time. Auto-Deposit provides the most timely, convenient and dependable method of payment by deducting your monthly deposit directly from your checking or savings account. You may send cashier’s checks or money orders. No personal checks or cash are accepted. 2. Closely monitor your creditors’ statements. It is up to you to monitor your monthly statements to ensure creditors have reduced interest rates or stopped late fees, if applicable, and CCCS payments are being properly credited. If your specific creditors reduce interest and fees, it can take up to three months before these reductions are noted on your statements. CCCS does not see your monthly statements from creditors so we do not know what they say. Keep all statements in a folder or binder in case you need them for future reference. Also, keep us informed if any accounts are turned over to collection agencies or if any creditor notifies you of an account number or address change. 3. Stay in touch. Contact us immediately if any problems arise. If you don’t understand something about your creditors’ statements or mailings, don’t panic. Call or email us. We’ve been dealing successfully with concerned creditors and clients since 1964. 4. Don’t make any payments directly to your creditors unless you have discussed this with us. Send all payments, including any late or extra payments you might be able to make, directly to CCCS. 5. Don’t apply for additional credit without first talking with your counselor. If you do, you will place your DMP in jeopardy. 6. Update personal information. Contact us immediately with any change in your name, address, telephone number or email address. 7. Don’t miss payments or make late payments to CCCS for any reason. If you do, your creditors may resume their regular collection activities or reinstate regular interest rates and fees. |
| Q: What if I need to speak with my counselor? |
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A: While counselors are always prepared to answer your questions, they have scheduled appointments throughout the business day. Our representatives are trained to answer most questions regarding your debt management plan. In the event our representatives cannot help you, they will contact a DMP Specialist for assistance. If you are in need of additional counseling, an appointment will be scheduled with your counselor.
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| Q: What is the cost of the bankruptcy pre-filing and debtor education sessions? |
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A: There is a $50 fee per household for each counseling or education session. Debtor education by telephone, however, is $75 per person.
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| Q: How do I find a good bankruptcy attorney? |
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A: We provide a Bankruptcy Services Referral Program for clients filing in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee or Mississippi. We refer attorneys whom we have established referral relationships. Clients residing in other states can call their State Bar for attorney referrals.
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| Q: Can my spouse and I complete the bankruptcy requirements together? |
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A: You and your spouse can complete the credit counseling session together. Debtor education sessions are required to be completed on an individual basis.
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| Q: How long does it take to complete the sessions? |
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A: If you come prepared, telephone sessions for credit counseling generally take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Internet sessions are self-paced. Debtor education sessions are mandated by federal guidelines to last 120 minutes.
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| Q: Who do I pay for this? |
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A: You can pay for your session via a draft to your bank account, a charge to your debit card or by a Western Union Quick Collect payment.
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| Q: What are the guidelines to apply for a fee waiver? |
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A: In order for a fee waiver to be considered you must meet the following requirements: either you receive income from social security disability, you are receiving pro bono services from your attorney or your total household income is less than or equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty level guidelines.
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| Q: How will I receive my certificate? |
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A: Your certificate will be delivered to the e-mail address you provide in your session and/or to your home address. If your attorney provides you with a four-digit firm code and you include it in your session, your attorney will also receive a copy of the certificate. If you did not provide us with an e-mail address, we will mail you the certificate.
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| Q: Is there an expiration date for my certificate? |
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A: Credit counseling certificates expire after 180 days. Debtor education certificates do not expire.
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| Q: Does "per household" refer only to spouses in the same household? |
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A: No. "Per household" refers to any two adults residing in a household.
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| Q: Should I file a chapter 7 or chapter 13? |
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A: You should seek the advice of your attorney to determine if you should file chapter 7 or 13.
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| Q: Client Bill of Rights |
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A: Consumer Credit Counseling Service promises you the service you deserve. As our clients, you have the right to: If you feel that we have not upheld every promise as stated above, please direct your concerns to:
Suzanne Boas, President, CCCS 100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 |
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