Is there an actual debt relief program?

Asked by: Alberta Parker II  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)

There aren't any free government debt relief programs for credit card or personal loan debt other than bankruptcy. Many types of government debt relief exist in the form of grants and low-interest loans for specific purposes.

Does the government have a debt relief program?

When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.

Is the national debt relief program legitimate?

National Debt Relief is an accredited member of the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR). It has been around since 2009 and has helped over 600,000 individuals reduce their debt. It also has an A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Is the debt forgiveness program real?

Lenders apply debt forgiveness in several ways, including through directly negotiated settlements or government programs. You can also approach industry professionals such as debt counselors to assist with repayment plans. However, it's important to keep in mind that debt forgiveness is relatively rare.

What is the downside of a debt relief program?

You May End Up with More Debt Than You Started

That negotiation is often not a streamlined process and can take quite some time. Stopping payment on a debt means you could face late fees and accruing interest.

Debt Relief Company Isn't Relieving My $90,000 Debt!

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Does debt forgiveness ruin your credit?

The short answer is yes, credit card debt forgiveness can negatively affect your credit score. However, the impact depends on various factors, including your current credit score and the specifics of your debt settlement agreement.

What two debts cannot be erased?

Perhaps the most common debts that cannot be discharged under any circumstances are child support, back taxes, and alimony. Here are some of the most common categories of non-dischargeable debt: Debts that you left off your bankruptcy petition, unless the creditor had knowledge of your filing. Many types of taxes.

How can I legally get rid of credit card debt?

How to Wipe Out Credit Card Debt
  1. Debt Settlement. Debt settlement is a process that involves negotiating with creditors to pay less than the full amount you owe. ...
  2. Debt Management Plan (DMP) A debt management plan (DMP) is a special payment plan you can enroll in through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. ...
  3. Bankruptcy.

Can the government pay off my debt?

While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify. The local housing authority pays the landlord directly.

How to pay off $10,000 credit card debt?

Here are four of the fastest ways to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt:
  1. Take advantage of credit card debt forgiveness.
  2. Consider credit card debt consolidation.
  3. Use your home equity.
  4. Ask your lenders about financial hardship programs.

How long does Debt Relief stay on your credit report?

Duration on your report: Debt settlement can stay on your report for up to seven years. Debt settlement occurs when a company contacts creditors and negotiates a settlement on your behalf. The debt settlement company may ask you to stop paying your creditors and instead pay an amount into a separate account.

Is Freedom Debt Relief a government program?

Freedom Debt Relief is an accredited debt settlement company based in Arizona that offers consumers a way to eliminate their debt by reducing what they owe. The business has enrolled more the 850,000 consumers and resolved more than $15 billion in debt since 2002.

Are there government grants to pay off debt?

Keep in mind that the government doesn't offer grants to help Americans pay off consumer debt from things like credit cards. It does, however, offer financial support for Americans struggling with a range of tough financial situations.

Has anyone been approved for debt relief?

Over the past four years, the Administration has approved nearly $180 billion in student debt relief for 4.9 million borrowers through various actions, taking historic steps to aid hardworking Americans across the country who have worked to repay their student loans but remained in debt.

How to ask for debt forgiveness?

The borrower can apply for debt forgiveness on compassionate grounds by writing about the financial difficulties and requesting the creditor to cancel the debt amount.

Is there a free debt relief program?

Key Takeaways. There aren't any free government debt relief programs for credit card or personal loan debt other than bankruptcy. Many types of government debt relief exist in the form of grants and low-interest loans for specific purposes.

Is debt relief an actual thing?

The term "debt relief" can mean many different things, but the main goal of any debt relief option is usually to change the terms or amount of your debt so you can get back on your feet faster. Debt relief could involve: Negotiating with creditors to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed.

Does national debt relief hurt your credit?

It will hurt your credit: Because you're required to stop making payments on enrolled debts, those accounts will be marked delinquent on your credit reports. Your credit score will take a significant hit, especially if you weren't already delinquent on those accounts.

What is the National Debt Relief Hardship Program?

National Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that works with borrowers who are significantly behind on payments. This company negotiates with major credit card issuers and banks to reduce most types of unsecured debt, including: Credit cards. Personal loans.

How do I get out of debt with no money and bad credit?

How to Get Out of Debt With No Money and Bad Credit
  1. Filing for Bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy is a last resort option for many people drowning in debt, mostly because it gets a bad rap. ...
  2. Debt Consolidation. Consolidating debt is a very popular debt relief option. ...
  3. Debt Settlement. ...
  4. The Snowball Method. ...
  5. The Island Approach.

What is the debt forgiveness Act?

Updated September 5, 2019 — The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualify for this relief.

Which debt dies with you?

Most debt will be settled by your estate after you die. In many cases, the assets in your estate can be taken to pay off outstanding debt. Federal student loans are among the only types of debt to be commonly forgiven at death.

What will I lose if I file Chapter 7?

Filing this form of bankruptcy discharges all eligible loans and other outstanding financial obligations and legally forgives them. It prevents creditors from attempting to collect on these discharged debts in the future and imposes severe penalties for any creditors who do so.

What are 2 things that debt collectors are not allowed to do?

Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.