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Pre-discharge Counseling Privacy Policy

RethinkingDebt is committed to assuring the privacy of individuals and/or families who have contacted us for assistance. We assure you that all information shared both orally and in writing will be managed within legal and ethical considerations. Your "personal financial information," such as your total debt information, income, living expenses and personal information concerning your financial circumstances, will be provided to creditors and possibly others with your specific authorization.

We may also use aggregated case file information for the purpose of evaluating our services, gathering valuable research information and designing future programs. Your anonymity will be maintained through the use of your client number or by using aggregate data in all circumstances.

We may disclose your information to the U.S. Trustee in connection with its oversight of our service, or during the investigation of complaints, during on-site visits, or during quality service reviews. In all other situations, your information may be released to appropriate individuals or agencies ONLY UPON YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST, or when our staff has been served by a valid subpoena.

Pre-Discharge Bankruptcy Counseling Disclosures:

  • Instructor Qualifications
    All of RethinkingDebt Instructors must meet certification requirements as set forth by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Instructors are required to successfully complete the primary certification requirements and maintain Certified Credit Counselor status by upholding the NFCC Code of Ethics and completing continuing professional development education. Instructors cannot give legal advice but can refer you to an attorney.

  • Bilingual Counseling of Services/Fee Waiver Eligibility
    The Course is available in English and Spanish. In the event a client lacks proficiency in either language, we will provide the Course through a professional interpreter at no additional charge. In addition, Client may visit the U.S. Trustees website at www.justice.gov/ust to locate agencies that offer services in languages other than English or Spanish.

  • Cost of Services/Fee Waiver Eligibility
    To help defray the cost of providing this Course, RethinkingDebt charges a fee of $50.00. Payment may be made by money order, credit or debit card or bank draft. No individual will be refused instruction if they demonstrate the inability to pay, due to income level and/or hardship situation. A fee waiver will be based on whether Client’s current household income is less than 150% of the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    To request a fee waiver, in whole or in part, Client must submit supporting income documentation to RethinkingDebt either in-person; via Email at rtdinfo@rethinkingdebt.org; by Facsimile at (585) 546-5693; or by mail by addressing RethinkingDebt, 1050 University Avenue, Suite A, Rochester, NY 14607. Upon receipt, RethinkingDebt will determine fee waiver eligibility based on documentation received. Given fee waiver documentation provides for personal income information, Client may “opt-out” of the fee waiver program. By opting-out Client waives their right to fee waiver consideration.


2023 Poverty Guidelines

 

Family Size

Poverty Guideline

1

$14,580

2

$19,720

3

$24,860

4

$30,000

5

$35,140

6

$40,280

7

$45,420

8

$50,560

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person.

 

  • Referrals
    RethinkingDebt policy prohibits paying or receiving fees or other compensation for the referral of Clients.

  • Credit Report Impact
    • Budget and Credit Counseling services do not produce a negative impact on a consumer's credit score.
    • If the consumer enrolls in a Debt Management Program, a notation may appear on their report that the consumer is making payments through a third party and that the account is closed. That notation is noted at the discretion of the lender and a consumer’s score is not negatively affected simply by enrolling in a DMP.
    • Filing for Bankruptcy does negatively impact a consumer's credit report. The bankruptcy notation will remain on the report for a period of up to 10 years.

  • Certificate
    RethinkingDebt is obligated to provide certificate promptly upon completion of the Course. The certificate must be issued not more than one business day following completion of counseling by RethinkingDebt. There is no additional cost for the generation of your certificate; however, a certificate will only be provided if you complete the Course in its entirety. In order to successfully complete the Course a grade of at least 70% must be achieved on the exam following the Course. If your grade is below 70%, an additional 15-minute counseling session will be required to review topics missed on the exam.

  • Privacy Disclosure
    RethinkingDebt does not disclose information to credit reporting agencies that a customer has taken the Course. RethinkingDebt policy prohibits the selling of information about the debtor without debtor’s written consent. We may disclose your information to the U.S. Trustee in connection with its oversight of our service, or during the investigation of complaints, during on-site visits, or during quality service reviews. In all other situations, your information may be released to appropriate individuals or agencies ONLY UPON WRITTEN REQUEST or when our staff has been served by a valid subpoena. The U.S. Trustee has reviewed only our credit counseling services and our personal financial management instructional course. The United States Trustee has neither reviewed nor approved any other services we provide. RethinkingDebt services are available to the public regardless of income, sex, age, place of residence, or any other demographical criteria.
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I have read and agree to the above listed terms, conditions and counseling fees.