Frequently Asked
Questions about Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Q: What can Consumer
Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) do for me?
A: Our agency offers you confidential counseling by a
Certified Consumer Credit Counselor. When appropriate for your
situation we offer a Debt Management Program to assist you in paying off
your debts. Our agency is also committed to providing you with the
resources and financial literacy education you may need to become
self-sufficient in handling your finances successfully.
Q: Where do you get your funding?
A: We receive funding from various sources. Currently we receive
funding from United Way and other organizations and foundations who award us grants.
We also receive contributions from businesses. These grants and
contributions provide the majority of the support for our services.
There are some services we offer where clients pay a fee. Client
fees are kept at minimum amounts to
cover costs. No one is ever turned away because they cannot afford
fees. Services are offered regardless of a clients'
ability to pay.
Q:
What is a Debt Management Program (DMP)?
A: A Debt Management Program, is in a sense, a debt
consolidation program where you can make one payment a month to CCCS and
we disburse payments to your creditors for you.
Q: How do I determine if I should pay my creditors on my own or pay them through your
Debt Management Program?
A:
If you have been missing payments or making payments late, you may benefit from our Debt
Management Program (DMP). If agreeable reduced payments will fit into your budget,
a DMP will allow you to meet
credit obligations while covering your housing and other living expenses; lower interest
rates and waived late and over-limit fees mean more of your payment goes toward principal;
and "re-aging" of your account means your credit report can
start looking better. Also, consolidation under the program means no more calls from creditors and no
more juggling bill payments.
Q: Can CCCS just help
me figure out how to handle my
monthly budget?
A: CCCS has Certified Consumer Credit Counselors on staff who will work with you to
develop a livable budget allowing for monthly expenses,
periodic
expenses and savings. They can also provide resources and referrals to other agencies that may be able to help with other
issues.
Q: What will happen to my Credit Report if I get
involved with a Debt Management Program through CCCS?
A: Participation in a debt repayment program may change information which
is already on your credit report. If your credit report reflects
that you have paid creditors as agreed in the past, a Debt Management
Program could have a negative impact on a credit worthiness decision by
potential creditor, landlord, or employer in the future.
Q: How much is a Debt
Management Program going to
cost
me?
A: There is a one-time set-up fee of $25.00, and a small monthly
administration fee that is based on your individual plan and ability to
pay. No one is refused services because of an inability to pay
fees.
Q: How do I get
started with Consumer Credit Counseling Service?
A: Fill out the First Step Worksheet and fax it to us at (541) 267-7044, or call us at (541) 267-7040 or toll free (800) 248-7040.
You will also need to read, sign and send in the
Privacy Notice
and
Statement of Counseling.
Q: How do I know that I won't be better off filing for bankruptcy?
A: Before you can file bankruptcy you are required to seek
Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling which will provide you with the options
available for you to make the appropriate decision for your situation. CCCS of Coos-Curry is approved
by the Executive Office of the United States Trustees (EOUST) to provide
you with your required counseling and give you the Certificate needed to
present to an attorney if you choose to file.
Q: Where is CCCS
located and what are the hours?
A: The office is located at 375 South 4th Street, Suite 100 in
downtown Coos
Bay (Nasburg & Company Building). Office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Q: Could someone from CCCS speak to my group or
organization?
A: Yes, our professional staff will make a presentation to
any group in the community
about our services. We are also available to present group
classes. Please call us at (541) 267-7040 or (800) 248-7040 to schedule a
presentation or class.
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