Getting Started

Regardless of the reason you are contacting us, you're taking an important first step to take control over your finances.

In order for us to effectively help you, please contact us to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face or telephone counseling session. You may also fill out the worksheet completely and submit it online. We will contact you within two to three business days.

General Credit Counseling, Debt Management Program or Mortgage Counseling
In order for your counselor to be most effective in assisting you, please bring the following information to your in-person appointment or have such information available for quick and easy reference during a telephone session:

• Verification of income (a payroll stub will do)
• Knowledge of monthly living expenses including shelter, utility, food, clothing, transportation, and insurance costs
• Most recent copy of any creditor statements, such as credit cards, doctor bills, loans and/or collection accounts

Complete information is vital for you and your counselor's progress during your appointment.  

Bankruptcy Counseling
Before you file for personal bankruptcy you must receive credit counseling from an approved agency. CCCS provides this counseling* for a fee of $50 per household (this fee can be waived in limited hardship circumstances). Counseling sessions are offered in our Dayton, Springfield and Sidney locations. Please complete the worksheet and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Before your personal bankruptcy can be discharged, you must take a financial education course. CCCS is approved to offer this course (face-to-face or telephone only) for a fee of $40 per person (this fee can be waived in limited hardship circumstances). Classes are held at our Dayton office only. For more information or to register for the pre-discharge course, please contact us.

If you are contacting us because you are delinquent on your mortgage, we will need the following (in addition to the above items):

• Copies of your loan agreement, mortgage and settlement statement
• Copies of recent letters and/or statements from your mortgage company or attorney
• Copies of foreclosure documents (if applicable)

During your appointment, a certified counselor will complete a budget assessment by reviewing your income, expenses, and debt levels. Your counselor will assist with identifying problems and the need for appropriate referrals.

You may find that is all you need to get back on track. However, you may determine you need more.  If so, you may choose to enroll in our Debt Management Program, where we work with creditors to reduce your monthly payments and interest to affordable levels until your debt is paid in full. Creditors establish guidelines and policies for our Debt Management Program to which you must agree. Financial counseling does not automatically guarantee that you will qualify for a Debt Management Program.

*Approved to issue certificates in compliance with Bankruptcy Code. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an agency's services.