Credit counseling class requirement Prior to filing bankruptcy 

Credit counseling is a mandatory step for anyone who wants to file for bankruptcy in the United States. It is a service provided by approved agencies that help individuals evaluate their financial situation, explore alternatives to bankruptcy, and create a personalized plan to manage their debts. Credit counseling must be completed within 180 days before filing for bankruptcy, and the certificate of completion must be submitted to the court along with the bankruptcy petition ¹².

Credit counseling is different from debtor education, which is another course that must be taken after filing for bankruptcy and before receiving a discharge of debts. Debtor education teaches individuals how to budget, use credit wisely, and avoid future financial problems ¹³.

Credit counseling and debtor education can be obtained from various sources, such as online, by phone, or in person. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider, but it should not exceed $50 per course. If the individual cannot afford the fee, they can request a fee waiver from the provider ¹³.

To find an approved credit counseling or debtor education provider, you can visit the websites of the U.S. Trustee Program ¹ or the Bankruptcy Administrator Program ², depending on which state you live in. You can also search for providers by zip code, language, or service type ⁴⁵.

Learn more

• uscourts.gov
• incharge.org
• justice.gov