Debt settlement programs typically run 36 months or less where consumer credit counseling programs may be 60 months or more.
Debt settlement programs typically are offered by for - profit companies, and involve them negotiating with your creditors to allow you to pay a «settlement» to resolve your debt — a lump sum that is less than the full amount that you owe.
In contrast, consumers who enter
a debt settlement program typically do not receive benefits (i.e., settlements) for many months, if not years.
Not exact matches
FTC and state investigations in the U.S. have found that less than 10 per cent of consumers
typically complete
debt settlement programs there, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Other possible
debt - relief choices include a
debt management
program or
debt settlement, but both of those
typically need 3 - 5 years to reach a resolution and neither one guarantees all your
debts will be settled when you finish.
Debt settlement program fees are
typically either based on the original balance or the current balance at the time of
settlement.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy payment plans can last for five years, and a consumer's payment will
typically be higher than what it would be in a
debt settlement program.
While on your
debt settlement program, creditors
typically will continue to add interest and late fees to accounts that are delinquent.
TASC says «
debt settlement programs are
typically three years in length» but isn't the point that they shouldn't be.