FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose ClearPoint? What sets the organization apart?

ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions has a stellar track record for 40+ years. We’re a well-established, reputable and trusted non-profit resource with low- and no-cost services.

Our counseling is tailored to meet your needs. ClearPoint’s certified credit counselors can work with you in-person, over the telephone, or by Internet, to review your financial situation and an action plan for tackling your debt and shoring up your finances.

ClearPoint is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).  We are a system-wide accredited business of the Better Business Bureaus (BBB) and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved housing counseling agency.

How can you help?

We help individuals and families to prevent and handle money management difficulties.

In our confidential, one-on-one counseling sessions, a certified counselor will assist you with housing-related issues, debt, credit problems, and bankruptcy education. We also offer community workshops on a variety of topics including buying a home, credit and budgeting.

Although we are best known for working with clients with severe debt, the majority of our counseling helps people learn how to budget, use credit wisely, prevent becoming a victim of identity theft, or the steps to take before buying your first home.

How much do your services cost?

Please refer to our cost summary.

How is ClearPoint funded?

Our funding comes from grants, foundations, voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in our Debt Management Plans (DMPs), client fees and donations from corporations such as credit grantors and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Some funding comes from voluntary contributions from creditors who participate in DMPs. Since creditors have a financial interest in getting paid, most are willing to make a contribution to help fund our agency. These contributions are usually calculated as a percentage of payments made through the DMP.  Accounts with creditors are always credited with 100% of the amount paid through us and we will work with all creditors, regardless of whether or not they contribute.

Where are your services?

• Budget and credit counseling
  With the exception of Nevada (where we service existing clients only), we deliver credit counseling nationwide by phone or Internet and in-person at our branch offices.
• Debt management programs
  We implement debt management plans for residents of every state except Nevada where we work with existing clients only.
• Reverse mortgage counseling
  Offered nationally except in Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
• Pre- and post-bankruptcy counseling and education
  ClearPoint offers bankruptcy education in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Virginia.
• Home pre-purchase, home post-purchase and rental counseling
  Not offered in Indiana, Rhode Island or Wisconsin.
• Mortgage default and foreclosure counseling
  Not offered in Indiana, Rhode Island or Wisconsin.
• Educational workshops
  Our credit counselors give educational workshops within the communities around our branch offices.

If you have a question as to whether or not we can assist you, please call or email our Customer Service or call 1.877.422.9040.

What are your customer service hours?

Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (for new clients only), Eastern Standard Time.

Or, contact Customer Service by email.

Counseling hours vary by branch office. Immediate counseling is offered for new clients on half-days each Saturday. We are closed on Sundays.

How can I get help most quickly?

We can assist you with most matters over the Internet, but if you have an urgent need, please call Customer Service, during business hours, toll-free at 1.877.422.9040.

Do you have any useful referrals to additional related resources?

For a few frequently reguested links, see consumer resources.

Do you have more FAQs?

Sure. See our complete list of more specific FAQs below:

• Budget and credit counseling.
• Bankruptcy counseling and education.
• Prospective debt management clients.
• Current clients on a debt management program.
• Mortgage default counseling.
• Home pre-purchase counseling.
• Home post-purchase counseling.
• Rental counseling.
• Reverse mortgage counseling.