When
you call!
Credit Counselling Service of Simcoe County is a Not for Profit community service organization dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve financial problems and the promotion of the wise use of credit and sound money management through budget counselling, debt management intervention and community education. CCSSC doesn’t lend money and we are not a collection agency. We work for you and with you and your creditors to help you get out of debt. We offer you professional money management advice, a debt repayment plan and viable alternatives to personal bankruptcy.
When
you call!
You will be given the first available confidential appointment to talk with a counsellor.
You will be asked to provide some basic information so you and the counsellor can fully understand your situation.
What
happens in my counselling session?
A counsellor will review your financial
situation in a non-judgmental manner and provide options. We’ll try to help
you develop a spending plan that covers your living expenses and payments to
your creditors. If one of your options is our debt management plan, you may
benefit from reduced payment, reduced interest, reduced finances charges,
reduced creditor calls etc.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Our counsellors do not discuss a client's financial situation. Client records are maintained in secure facilities.
Can a counsellor give legal opinions on my options?
No. Only a lawyer can provide opinions about legal issues.
What is Budget Counselling?
Budget Counselling determines your lifestyle, habits and
capabilities. We help you create a customized realistic, goal oriented approach
to your specific issues. We educate you on money management & budgeting.
What is Credit Counselling Money Management?
Money and credit are tools that allow people to get what they want or need. Financial management requires effort and attention. Many clients find them selves over-extended through spending habits and/ or loss of income. Whatever your situation, we can help you resolve your difficulties.
What is a DMP?
Our Debt Management plan (DMP) sets up a payment schedule for you to repay your debts. By voluntary agreement, you deposit funds with our agency each month. We send those funds to your creditors. If collectors call, you can ask them to contact us. Our Debt Management plans (DMP) serve the dual role of helping you repay your debt and helping creditors to receive the money owed to them. Since creditors have a financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make a contribution to help fund our agency. It takes approximately 48 months to repay debts through a DMP. Most of our funding comes from voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in DMPs.
Yes, most creditors support the agency services.
Will my creditors know I have an appointment with you?
When you have told a creditor you have an appointment, or the creditor has referred you to our agency, we may get a call to verify your appointment.
Why will creditors reduce payments through CCSSC but won't work directly with me?
Our agency has trained professional counsellors who evaluate your overall financial situation.. Because we help you come up with realistic options to solve your particular financial problem, creditors will work with us -- and, through our agency, with you.
Will being on the Debt Management Plan stop interest being charged on all accounts?
Your counsellor will be able to tell you if any of your creditors will consider stopping interest charges, however some creditors do not stop interest.
Can you have only the bills that are causing the problem in the Debt Management Plan?
For the most effective and equitable treatment of your debts, we need to include all debts in the Debt Management Plan.
What is Education?
CCSSC Barrie offers a wide variety of educational and resource information to the people we help. Additional support is provided through one-on-one counselling, or referrals to outside agencies.
What is an Employee Assistance Programs?
It is a customized service for corporate clients wishing to provide theirs employees with the benefits of our expertise.
What is Liaison & Mediation Services?
CCSSC Barrie acts as an intermediary for clients who need help dealing with a creditor(s). The staff can provide a referral to an outside private or social agency if required. CCSSC maintains regular contact with a wide spectrum of agencies and professionals who can be called upon to serve the needs of our client.
Do you provide seminars or guest speakers?
The Executive Director is available to speak on a wide range of issues. Call 705-726-2705 or 1-800-284-6525 for more information on booking an engagement.
What is required from client?
A sincere and dedicated interest in solving financial problems.
That, where applicable, both partners participate in counselling.
That every effort be made to keep all appointments and when appointment can’t be kept, to notify us in advance of cancellation.