The Debtor Education Course is Your "Ticket Out" of the Bankruptcy Process
The Debtor Education Course is designed to equip you with the skills to make the best of your bankruptcy discharge, so you can truly make the fresh start it promises you. The course focuses on teaching skills like designing your budget, managing your money, using your credit properly, and other financial matters. The course is also designed to be convenient: it can be completed in person, by telephone, or online depending on where you live and which agency you use.
Is There an Approved Debtor Education Course Near Me?
To check for an affordable, interactive, online Debtor Education Course, look online at www.startfreshtoday.com. You can also find other approved courses on the U.S. Trustee's list at the Department of Justice web site: www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/de_approved.htm.
What is the Cost of a Debtor Education Course?
Fees for the Debtor Education Course will differ according to your location, the agency you work with, and the format (in person, by phone, or online) you use to complete it. According to the U.S. Trustee's office, fees can run from $50 to $100 for your Debtor Education Course, while the Start Fresh Today Debtor Education Course costs $49.
The agency is not permitted to charge an extra fee for the certificate of completion you will need.
What is the Timeline for Completing a Debtor Education Course?
You must complete your Debtor Education Course after your bankruptcy petition has been filed, but before your discharge can be granted. This leaves little time to finish the course if you are filing a Chapter 7 petition. If you are filing for Chapter 13, you will have more time for completing the Debtor Education Course, but it is in your best interest to finish it as early in the process as possible. This will allow you maximum time to become accustomed to living within the strict budget that comes with your Chapter 13 repayment plan and to plan for your financial future.
How does the Debtor Education Course Differ From the "Credit Counseling" Briefing?
The Credit Counseling Briefing is a different requirement from the Debtor Education Course. For each, you must finish a separate program and receive a different certificate of completion. They are both required, but the Credit Counseling Briefing is a pre-filing requirement; in most cases, your bankruptcy case will be dismissed if you fail to complete the Credit Counseling Briefing before you file. And the Debtor Education Course needs to be finished after you file, but before you receive your discharge.