Consumer Credit Counseling Benefits
There are a lot of advantages in working with us!
Here are just a few:
- Counseling is free and confidential!
- More than 50 years of experience in helping people just like you.
- Work with certified, trained counselors.
- Avoid bankruptcy! Consolidate unsecured debt into one affordable monthly payment.
- Stop harassing phone calls from your creditors.
- Save thousands of dollars in interest payments.
- Improve your credit rating.
- Free budget and debt management information.
- Pay off credit card debt and all your bills.
- Eliminate late fees and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
Does Consumer Credit Counseling loan money?
No. CCCS does not loan money to consumers or clients. Using our Debt Management Program, we simply negotiate with creditors on your behalf to work out a new payment arrangement, possibly at a reduced interest rate, and disburse the payments for you to each creditor.
How can I make a Voluntary Contribution to CCCS of Western PA?
If you wish to make a tax-deductible voluntary contribution, please send it to: Advantage CCS 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
How long will it take to pay off my credit card debt?
Without our help, it may take 10+ years to pay off a consumer’s average debt amount when only making minimum payments. CCCS of Western PA can develop a debt management program, which is designed to pay off credit card debt within 3 to 5 years.
If I am still current on my bills, can you still help me?
Yes, creditors respect that you have taken responsibility of your debt and are attempting to correct any problems before they turn into a major concern.
What type of debts can you help me with?
Consumer Credit Counseling Service will help you to take control and eliminate credit card debt, medical bills, and unsecured personal loans, retail store and gas cards using our Debt management Program.
Can I still use my credit cards?
We do not recommend that you continue to use your credit cards. It will be very difficult to make any type of commitment to eliminate your debt if you incur new debt at the same time. Also, the creditors that are on our Debt Management Program may decline or close your accounts.
Can you help me file bankruptcy?
If bankruptcy is your only choice, we can assist by providing the required bankruptcy counseling and bankruptcy education class, but bankruptcy is a legal process and you will need to seek the services of a bankruptcy attorney to help you through this process. CCCS of Western PA is an alternative to bankruptcy. This is why your creditors are able to work.
Does your service affect my credit report and credit score?
Most of your creditors appreciate and acknowledge that you have taken the correct steps to control your debt. Some creditors may flag your credit report as being managed by CCCS of Western PA. Consumer Credit Counseling will not notify any reporting agency about your accounts.
NOTICE:
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western Pennsylvania (CCCS of Western PA) has changed its name to Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Inc. (Advantage CCS).
On April, 8th 2004 CCCS of Western PA was rebranded to the new name of Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Inc. and we also have a new website at www.advantageccs.org. We are the same reputable and trusted non-profit credit counseling agency that has been helping people with their debt for over 50 years. Advantage CCS is still Pennsylvania’s largest consumer credit counseling agency.
Founded in 1968, Advantage CCS is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with multiple office locations across the state. We are a non-profit credit counseling agency that is approved and licensed. We are proud members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
