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FAQs

What services do you offer?

CCCS provides a variety of free and/or affordable services including:

  • Budget counseling and education
  • Debt management plans
  • Counseling referral services
  • Bankruptcy counseling and education
  • Housing counseling
  • Financial literacy courses

What are the benefits of selecting CCCS?

We provide a full evaluation of your situation, including a comprehensive budget analysis and assessment, which will assist you to determine your best options.  Many of the national creditors will reduce interest rates and waive late or over-limit fees.  As creditors settle in with your Debt Management Program you will receive fewer collection calls as debts are being paid on time.  One of the greatest benefits of working with our program is the valuable financial education available at no cost to you.

Are there set-up and/or monthly fees?

Fees comply with applicable federal/state laws.  There is no fee to receive financial counseling services that provides a thorough budget analysis and assessment to determine the best possible options to address your situation.  If you choose to enter a Debt Management Program, CCCS has a one-time fee of $30 and a reasonable monthly fee of $25.  CCCS does not deny access to services due to the inability to pay fees.

What are the qualifications of your counselors?

CCCS employs certified credit and housing counselors that are committed to providing you with the financial education, and money management skills needed to make sound financial decisions. Counselors attend continuing education and are recertified every 2 years by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

We can assist with the following types of debt:

  • Credit cards                
  • Medical bills                            
  • Disconnected utilities
  • Unsecured debts                      
  • Collection accounts                 
  • Payday lenders

Will participating in a Debt Management Program (DMP) hurt my credit rating?

Each client’s situation is different. CCCS does not report your participation in debt management programs to any credit reporting agencies. While credit reporting agencies include your participation in a debt management program on your credit report, this information does not impact your score. By placing your accounts on a debt management program, you’ll stop charging on the account.  As you pay down your debt balance more quickly, you neutralize any effect on your credit score caused by account closures.  Eventually you improve your score since the amount you owe impacts 30% of your credit score.

Can I access my account information online?

Active Debt Management Program clients may access their account through our secure website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.