Frequently asked questions
Q: How is CCCS different from those consumer credit organizations I hear about on television?
A: Consumer Credit Counseling Service is comprehensive, client centered and the only face-to-face, non-profit credit counseling service in the Chattanooga and Huntsville metropolitan area. Our counselors work as a team to provide a customized solution to each individual. For some it is budget counseling. For others it is entering a debt management program. Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and accredited by the Counsel on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children. Outside organizations monitor how we provide services to ensure that we meet rigorous standards of best practice, as well as ethical and legal requirements. This protects our clients and helps us to provide the best possible service.
Q: What can Consumer Credit Counseling Service do for me?
A: We offer a budget counseling session in which you and a certified credit counselor will take an in depth look at your financial situation.
Q: What is the debt management program?
A: Our voluntary debt management plan is a service for people who are seriously in debt and may be facing garnishments, evictions, or repossession or who may be contemplating some form of personal bankrutptcy. In this program, Consumer Credit Counseling Service works out a repayment agreement between you and your non-secured creditors. You deposit funds with us on a monthly basis, which are then disbursed to your creditors. Most creditors offer some concessions including reduced interest rates and reduction or cessation of late and over limit fees for clients repaying their debts through our plan.
Q: How much do credit counseling services cost?
A: Budget counseling services are free. Guidelines for debt management fees are set by state law. Tennessee residents pay a monthly fee of up to $20. Georgia residents pay a fee of 7.5% of their debt management with a maximum not to exceed $35 per month. However, we operate on a sliding fee scale, based on the client's ability to pay. No one is ever denied services because of inability to pay these fees.
A: Who knows that I am meeting with you?
Q: This service is completely confidential. If you decide to enroll in a debt management plan, you can authorize our representatives to speak with creditors on your behalf. Employers are never contacted, unless it is at your request. Debts in your name alone do not require a spouse's signature on the debt management paperwork; however, if the debt is in both names the spouse must be included in the program.
Q: Are there any debts you cannot handle?
A: In a budget counseling session, all debts are considered and advice is offered on the best way to deal with these debts. If you decide to participate in a debt management plan, we do not include secured debts. Secured debts are covered by collateral, including car and house payments. Non-secured debts include credit cards, finance companies, collection agencies, and medical debt.
Q: How long does it take to pay off all of my debts?
A: The answer depends upon the amount owed. We generally set up debt repayment plans that will enable a client to be completely debt free within 60 months. In addition, we encourage clients on the debt management plan to pay extra money to creditors through the program whenever possible.
Q: Will creditors call me after I agree to participate?
A: Consumer Credit Counseling Service sends a proposal to each creditor included in your debt management program. Some creditors stop collection calls upon their receipt and acceptance of the proposal. Others may require up to three monthly payments through the plan before all collection attempts cease. We encourage you to let creditors know that you are on the debt management plan and ask that they call our office and address their concerns to your counselor.
Q: Is Consumer Credit Counseling Service a United Way member agency?
A: Yes. We are a member of five United Way Agencies: United Way of Bradley County , United Way of Gordon County , United Way of Greater Chattanooga, United Way of Northwest Georgia and United Way of Rhea County .
Q: Where are your offices located?
A: We have several locations that are available to serve clients in Alabama , Georgia and Tennessee . Office hours may vary, so please contact our Chattanooga Area Office for more information.
Alabama
Huntsville
1015 Airport Road SW
Huntsville , AL 35802
(256) 881-1000
Georgia
Calhoun
Inside AmSouth Bank
101 North Wall Street
Calhoun , GA 30701
Contact our Chattanooga area office for hours of operation
(423) 490-5620
1-800-459-2227
Dalton
Dalton Whitfield Bank
2918 E. Walnut Ave.
Dalton , GA 30722
Contact our Chattanooga area office for hours of operation
(706) 428-2248
(706) 217-1742
1-800-459-2227
Tennessee
Chattanooga Area Office
2245 Olan Mills Drive
Chattanooga , TN 37421
(423) 490-5620
1-800-459-2227
Cleveland
Inside First Tennessee Bank
100 Keith Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
Contact our Chattanooga area office for hours of operation
(423) 490-5620
1-800-459-2227
Dayton
Inside First Bank of Tennessee
3001 Rhea County Highway
Dayton , TN 37321
Contact our Chattanooga area office for hours of operation
(423) 490-5620
1-800-459-2227
