Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
-
9. What should I bring to my budget and credit counseling session?
-
10. Why is it important to work with certified consumer credit counselors?
-
14. What is the difference between an Online Application and Webvisor?
For over 50 years, Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) has helped thousands of people learn to manage money, balance their budgets and get out of debt through comprehensive personal finance education and credit counseling.
We are more than just a debt-counseling organization. Our programs and services help people in all stages of their financial lives take the next step towards personal money management success.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, we have over 60 local offices in 10 states – Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Washington, Oregon, Indiana, and Pennsylvania – and help people in additional states through telephone and Internet counseling.
Here’s how we are different:
Experienced: The nation’s first and oldest consumer credit counseling agency - a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Consumer-focused: Comprehensive, confidential counseling that addresses individual financial situations and identifies options in the person’s best interests.
Convenient: While more than 50% of CCCS counseling is done in-person at local offices, telephone and Internet counseling services are also available to meet your scheduling needs.
Well-Qualified:
- CCCS counselors are certified through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
- We offer comprehensive money management programs accredited through the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.
Professional:
- CCCS is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.
- We are a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Committed to Communities:
- We have over 60 local offices.
- CCCS provides financial education and outreach programs.
- We’re involved in partnerships to help our communities with issues such as foreclosure prevention, asset-building and financial education in the workplace.
CCCS helps individuals and families prevent and solve money difficulties. We have the resources, advice and financial solutions you need to help you where ever you are in your financial journey.
At confidential, one-on-one counseling sessions, our certified counselors assist you with all kinds of money-related issues from housing to debt, credit or bankruptcy problems. The information you receive at your session may be enough. If not, we offer other services that might be more beneficial, including workshops and self-help education.
3. How are your services designed to meet my needs?
Our professional counselors are here for you whether you need help with a debt problem, buying your first home, understanding your credit, or learning how a reverse mortgage works. Every person’s situation is different so whatever action steps or advice CCCS offers will be tailored to fit your specific needs.
There is no charge for your first general counseling session. If you decide to participate in a Debt Management Program (DMP), there is a $25 one-time set up fee + $25 monthly fee for administration costs. CCCS doesn’t deny service if you are unable to pay; in case of financial hardship, fees may be reduced or eliminated. There may be reasonable fees for some of our other services.
As a non-profit, we rely on grants, voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in our debt management plans, donations from financial institutions, and client fees for our funding.
Click here to see where CCCS is licensed and has offices. If you live outside our areas, we can refer you to an accredited agency near you.
7. What are your hours of operation?
We are available by phone Eastern Standard Time:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please note the Bankruptcy Department hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
8. How long do counseling sessions take?
The length of a session depends on the type of counseling needed.
A budget and credit counseling session by phone or in person takes about 60-90 minutes.
A budget and credit counseling session using WebvisorSM is done at your own pace.
A bankruptcy counseling session usually takes 90-120 minutes.
9. What should I bring to my initial budget and credit counseling session?
To get the most from your counseling session, it is very important to bring:
- Current statements from your creditors - (within the last 60 days)
- A current paycheck stub or proof of income
- A list and amounts of all your monthly expenses (rent, utilities, food, etc.)
10. Why is it important to work with certified consumer credit counselors?
Our certified consumer credit counselors are experts who tailor confidential programs to meet each person’s specific needs. The counselor will help you understand your situation and how to regain control of your finances. Our counselors have a background in finance and/or counseling, and pass a series of rigorous examinations to ensure that you get the best guidance possible.
11. Is counseling confidential?
Unless we have your written permission, counselors don’t discuss a your financial situation with anyone other than you; your records are kept secure.
12. Can a counselor give legal opinions on my options?
No. Only an attorney can provide opinions about legal issues. We will certainly discuss any topic, but will not suggest or recommend a specific course of action calling for legal representation.
Webvisor is our anonymous, comprehensive and interactive online counseling resource. You can obtain actual results and guidance completely electronically while not entering in any personal information unless you choose to do so.
You would enter your financial information details. Webvisor will then analyze that data and immediately provide an action plan that is personalized, specific, and tailored to your needs.
14. What is the difference between an Online Application and WebvisorSM?
Our online application is a standard form which allows you to enter your contact details and personal information regarding your current financial situation; a financial counselor will contact you within two business days to review the information submitted.
Webvisor provides immediate, online financial advice for your situation. No personal, identifying information is needed unless you decide that you want contact from a counselor or to sign up for a debt management program.
