FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I eligible for your service?
Yes, anyone (who isn't a business) who would like non biased, confidential advice on money or debt management can come see us. Our clients come from all walks of life.
I cannot make the required payments to my creditors, how can you help me?
A counsellor will discuss solutions with you including a debt management program, direct negotiation with creditors, and money management/budget counselling. With a Debt Management Program we will work out a realistic budget with you. Then we will ask your creditors to accept a monthly payment that matches your ability to pay (as determined by the new budget). Your creditors are still paid in full, it just takes a little longer. In some cases creditors will reduce interest charges to help reduce the repayment time. Our payment plans have a very high acceptance rate because of the strong support of creditors for our credit counselling services.
Is it true that with a Debt Management Program you will handle all of the payments to my creditors?
Yes. You make set regular payments to our office, we place the money in a trust account and disburse the funds to creditors on a monthly basis.
Are there any costs for your service?
There is no charge for your first appointment. If a Debt Management Program is decided upon, there is a small set-up fee and then a monthly administration fee is charged based upon funds disbursed. We are a non-profit charitable organization and any fees collected help to offset a portion of our operating costs.
How do you make your money?
We receive funding from the United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge, donations from creditors and others and client fees.
Who will know I have gone to Credit Counselling?
Nobody will know you have been here unless you tell them. Our service is confidential. We will not contact or disclose any information to anyone without your signed consent
How do I book an appointment?
Simply call us at 905-579-1951 or if long distance at 1-877-579-3328 and we will schedule an appointment for you to meet with one of our counsellors. We will ask you to come in prepared with a list of your creditors (balances and monthly payments), a detailed list of your monthly living expenses (ie housing, transportation, daycare, groceries, car insurance, car maintenance, clothing, entertainment etc etc) and verification of your income (ie paystubs, bank statements). We will also give you directions to our office.
