Credit Counseling Service

What is CCS?

Credit Counseling Service of North Central Indiana is a not-for-profit community service, and a program of Family Service Association of Howard County. CCS helps clients from all walks of life gain or maintain control of their finances.

Who Uses CCS Services?

Many of our clients are experiencing financial difficulties, and come to CCS to participate in programs designed to help them become debt free. These clients have often become past due on their accounts and are receiving collection calls. Some are contemplating bankruptcy and are seeking workable alternatives. Some come to work with our counselors to develop a household budget, or to learn how to make better use of credit. Lenders will often refer clients to us when they realize that they are in financial trouble.

Are There Fees?

CCS does not charge a fee for counseling. Some programs may require payment of a small fee. Those participating in the Debt Management Program are asked for a nominal contribution of $25 each month and a $35 one time contribution to help cover administrative costs. Most of our funding comes from voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in Debt Management Programs. Since creditors have a financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make a contribution to help fund our agency.

How Do I Get An Appointment?

Call us at (765) 454-7290 or (800) 832-3595. Our hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday. Evening appointments are available.

Am I in a credit crisis?

Do you know how much you owe?
Are you only able to make minimum monthly payments?
Are you using credit cards for daily expenses or bills?
Are you saving money?
Are you receiving collection letters or calls from creditors?
Are your monthly payments late?
Is there more month left at the end of your paycheck?

What Programs Does CCS Offer?

Education: CCS will provide a variety of education programs concerning credit, finances, and budgeting. Please call the office to discuss your needs and to arrange a presentation.

Budget Counseling: CCS will work with you to develop a household budget. Call the office to set up a free counseling session.

Debt Management Program: This program is designed for those who need assistance bringing their bills under control. We will work with your creditors to establish a repayment plan that you can manage, and that sets you on the road to being debt free. In this program clients make monthly deposits with CCS in an agreed upon amount sufficient enough to make payments on the obligations. CCS in turn issues payments to creditors. While you are participating in this program we ask creditors to stop collection efforts and to deal with our office. The plan is voluntary, and will last until all your obligations are repaid or such time as you wish to take over. Our Debt Management Programs serve the dual roles of helping you repay your debts and helping creditors collect the money owed them.

What CCS expects of a client

Clients must be committed to solving their financial problems.
Both husband and wife (where appropriate) should be present during the interview.
A written application for Credit Counseling must be submitted, with all requested information provided.
The client must at all times be open and forthright with their counselor.
All supporting information (bills, payment books, etc.) must be brought to the interview.
The client must make every effort to keep the scheduled appointment, or if problems arise, to notify CCS ahead of time in order to make alternate arrangements.
Participants in the Debt Management Program must work with their counselor to develop a plan, and then to follow it.
Credit accounts will be closed and only those major purchases approved by the counselor will be made.
Family Service Association does not discriminate in employment or service delivery regardless of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry or handicap. Please call for special needs accommodations.

Client Rights

As a client of CCS you have the right to:

Receive our help preparing a household budget
Refuse any and all services
Expect us to look into complaints
Know the cost of services and how much you must pay
Consult with your attorney or personal financial planner
Suggest changes in our services
All civil rights guaranteed by state and federal law and regulation

Client Responsibilities

As a client we expect you to:

Be on time for your appointments, and call if you are unable to keep an appointment
Provide accurate and timely information concerning your finances to your counselor
If you elect to participate in a Debt Management Program, additional responsibilities will be listed in your Client Handbook
Be considerate of the rights of other clients and staff

Confidentiality

All services provided by CCS are strictly confidential.

Forms

If you would like more information or would like to set up an appointment, contact Linda Saltsman or Wendell Propes at 765.454.7290.