Am I Eligible for Debt Relief? Take the 60-Second Quiz
Updated for 2026 Β· Independent editorial team Advertiser Disclosure
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Debt & Credit Help β€Ί Paying Off Debt
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The Henderson FamilyCleared $34,000 in debt β€” enrolled in a relief program in 2025
πŸ“‹ 60-Second Eligibility Check

Do You Qualify for Debt Relief?
Find Out in Under a Minute

Thousands of Americans have already reduced or eliminated what they owe. See if you're next.

$10K+
Min. debt relief
48%
Avg. debt reduced
24–48 mo
Typical program

If you're struggling to keep up with credit card bills, medical debt, or personal loans, you're far from alone. The average American carries over $7,500 in credit card balances β€” and millions are falling behind.

The good news? There's a legal, widely-used process called debt settlement that allows qualifying Americans to resolve their debt for significantly less than they owe.

Find Out If You Qualify
5 quick questions Β· No SSN or credit check required
Question 1 of 5

What Happens After You Qualify?

Debt settlement works by negotiating directly with your creditors to accept a lump-sum payment that's less than what you owe. Most settlements come in at 40–60 cents on the dollar.

  • 1
    Free consultation
    A specialist reviews your debt situation at no cost β€” no commitment required.
  • 2
    Personalized debt plan
    They build a custom program based on your specific balances and monthly budget.
  • 3
    One monthly deposit
    Instead of juggling multiple creditors, you make one manageable deposit each month.
  • 4
    Settlements negotiated
    Creditors are contacted and settlements are negotiated β€” typically for far less than owed.
  • 5
    Debt resolved. Fresh start.
    Once accounts are settled, you're on your way to financial freedom.
βœ… No upfront fees. Reputable debt settlement companies only charge fees after a successful settlement. If nothing gets settled, you pay nothing.

The 5 Signs You May Be Eligible

Not everyone is a candidate for debt relief β€” and that's actually a good thing. Programs are designed for people in real financial distress. Here's what lenders and settlement companies typically look for:

  • $10,000+ in unsecured debt. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans β€” not mortgage or car payments. This is the typical floor for most programs.
  • You're behind on payments (or close to it). Creditors are more willing to negotiate when they believe the debt may otherwise go to collections.
  • A documented financial hardship. This could be a job loss, divorce, medical emergency, or even just a long stretch of living paycheck to paycheck.
  • US resident, aged 18+. Debt settlement programs operate under U.S. law and are only available to American residents.
  • Unsecured debt only. Settlement applies to credit cards, medical debt, and personal loans β€” not mortgages, student loans, or car loans.
⚠️ What debt settlement won't cover: Mortgage payments, federal student loans, car loans, child support, and tax debt typically fall outside the scope of these programs.
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Trustpilot β€” 4.8 / 5
12,400+ verified reviews
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"I was drowning in $34,000 of credit card debt. After 26 months in the program, I settled for just under half. I genuinely didn't think this was possible for me."
β€” Marcus T., verified customer
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"Taking this quiz was the best thing I did for my finances in years. The process was straightforward, the team was honest, and I'm now 14 months in."
β€” Sandra R., verified customer
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"My credit took a hit during the program, but my monthly payments dropped by over $700. 14 months in and I can finally breathe."
β€” James W., verified customer

Still unsure? A free call takes 10 minutes.

No pressure, no commitment. A certified debt specialist will walk through your situation and tell you honestly whether a program makes sense.

Talk to a Specialist β€” Free β†’
No credit check Β· No SSN required Β· Completely confidential
Common Questions

What People Ask Before Enrolling

It's normal to have hesitations. Debt settlement is a significant financial decision, and most people haven't heard much about it until they're already deep in debt. Below are the questions we hear most often β€” answered straight.

Debt settlement will temporarily impact your credit score, especially if accounts become delinquent during the program. However, most people who finish a program see their score recover β€” and often improve β€” within 12–24 months of completion, since their debt-to-income ratio has improved dramatically.
Yes, completely. Debt settlement is a legal and widely-practiced financial strategy. The FTC regulates debt relief companies and requires them to be transparent about fees and outcomes. Always use an AFCC-accredited provider.
Reputable debt relief companies charge a percentage of the enrolled debt (typically 15–25%) β€” but only after a successful settlement. There are no upfront fees. If nothing gets settled, you pay nothing.
Most programs run 24 to 48 months, depending on the total amount enrolled and how quickly accounts can be negotiated. Some accounts settle faster than others β€” it's a rolling process, not a single event.
If debt settlement isn't the right fit, a certified counselor can walk you through other options: debt management plans, consolidation loans, or in some cases, bankruptcy. The free consultation covers all of this at no cost.
If you've made it this far, you're taking this seriously β€” and that's already the hardest step. Most people wait years before seeking help, often making the situation worse in the meantime. A 10-minute call costs nothing and could change your financial trajectory completely.
Advertiser Disclosure: This article contains sponsored content. Finance Today may receive compensation when you click on links or apply through partners featured here. Results vary based on individual financial circumstances. Debt settlement may negatively impact your credit score and could result in tax consequences for forgiven amounts. This is not financial or legal advice.