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Choosing a Credit Counseling Agency PDF Print E-mail
Know who you are dealing with. Ask the right questions.
How to choose a credit counseling agency
What questions should I ask a credit counseling agency?
  • Is this agency a non-profit 501(c)3 organization?
  • How long has the agency been in business?
  • Is the agency accredited by an outside organization?
  • Are the counselors certified?
  • Is there a Client's Bill of Rights
  • Are agency services confidential?
  • Will they devise a plan tailored to fit your needs?
  • Will the agency work with all of my creditors regardless of agency support?
  • How are funds disbursed to creditors?
  • Will my funds be protected?
  • Can we withdraw from the program at any time with no consequences?
  • Are budget and credit education opportunities offered?
  • Is counseling available face to face, by phone, by mail and through Internet communication?
Will my creditors know I have an appointment with CCCS?
CCCS is totally confidential and will not discuss your counseling with anyone without your permission. However, if you tell a creditor you have an appointment with us, or if the creditor has referred you to one of our offices, we may get a call to verify your appointment.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
You should bring in proof of income and all credit card statements. CCCS must be able to verify balances and obtain credit card numbers should the Debt Management Program becomes an option.

Can you help straighten out my credit or clean it up?
Only creditors can change what is on your credit report. CCCS does not report to credit bureaus.

Can you stop the creditors from calling me?
Creditors usually stop calling after you have shown a consistent pattern of deposits through CCCS. Usually three months is sufficient.

What is the difference between your program and the others I hear about?
CCCS has been helping people for over 50 years. We know what we are doing. CCCS accepts all debt on our program whether the creditor contributes to us or not. CCCS also does not require huge up front fees. Start up fees are only $50 plus a $30 monthly fee. CCCS may also waive all fees if the client cannot afford them.

What are the benefits of working with CCCS?
You may benefit from:
  • Reduced payments
  • Reduced interest and finance charges
  • Reduced creditor calls and waived late and over-limit fees
  • We can even help you re-establish credit!
Why will creditors reduce payments through CCCS but won't work directly with me?
Our agency employs independently certified Counselors who evaluate your overall financial situation. Because we help you to come up with realistic options to solve your particular financial problem, creditors will work with us - and, through our agency, with you.

How will this affect my credit?
If you chose to participate in our Debt Management Plan, the creditor has the right to show you as slow pay or paying through a credit counseling service. This is because you are changing the original payment terms.

Do I have to consolidate All my credit cards?
With very little exception, ALL credit card debt should be put on the Program and treated equally. This is also to assure that you become debt free.

Do both spouses have to be on the Program?
Only the spouse that has the debt has to be on the Program. If debt is from both spouses, then both are required to participate.

Will I qualify for the program?
CCCS of North Central Texas counsels over 6,000 families and individuals a year. Only about 25% need our Debt Management Program. To justify using the DMP, you must not be able to meet your debt obligations without the CCCS benefits.

How long will the process take to get the program started?
The program actually begins after CCCS receives your first deposit. Some benefits may not take affect for 3 months depending on the creditors response time to our proposals.

What will my deposit be each month?
Your deposit depends on your budget and your debt.

How long will it take to pay my debts on the program?
It depends on the amount of debt involved. Programs can take from 24 months to 60 months.

How is CCCS funded?
The majority of our funding comes from grants, nominal client fees and voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in Debt Management Programs, or DMP's. Our DMP serves the dual role of helping you repay your debt and helping creditors to receive the money owed to them.

Since creditors have a vested financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make a contribution to help fund our agencies. These contributions are usually calculated as a percentage of payments you make through your DMP.

Please be assured, however, your accounts with your creditors will always be credited with 100% of the amount you pay through us - and we'll work with all of your creditors, regardless of whether they contribute to our agency. A win-win situation.

Does CCCS work for the Creditors?
No! We work for you through your creditors.
 

There is a difference! Consumer Credit Counseling Service of North Central Texas is a 501c3 nonprofit where you’ll get professional help from people who really understand local circumstances. Come into one of our local offices , work with us , over the phone or email