What are Debt Management Programs and How Do They Work?

Carrying too much debt can be very stressful. Ironically, there are so many possible ways to get a handle on your debt that figuring out the best method can be just as stressful! You could work with a debt relief company, or you could take matters into your own hands using one of many repayment strategies, like the debt snowball method. Or maybe you just want to consolidate your debt into one simple payment. 

Enter the debt management program. 

Depending on your financial situation and type of debt, a debt management program might be an option to help you get out of debt.¹

Debt management programs, sometimes called DMPs, are agreed-upon plans between a creditor, debtor, and third-party credit counseling agency to help the debtor reduce their outstanding, unsecured debt—typically credit card debt—usually over a payoff period of about five years.^1,2 Though somewhat similar to debt settlement or debt relief, debt management programs are managed by non-profit credit counseling agencies, whereas debt settlement companies are often for-profit.³

When you enroll in a debt management program, the third-party credit counseling agency will work with you to combine several unsecured debts into one manageable monthly payment.² Unlike debt consolidation, in which combined debts are rolled up into one personal loan,⁴ debts remain separate in a debt management program but are handled by the credit counseling agency (see more below, in How Do Debt Management Programs Work?).¹

The credit counseling agency might also try to get creditors to lower your monthly payments, reduce interest rates, or waive certain fees.¹

Debt management programs do not include secured debts like auto loans or mortgages.¹

Find a trustworthy credit counselor. Debt management programs can be pretty straightforward once you find a dependable credit counseling agency that understands your financial situation. But finding a reputable credit counselor can be tricky. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Justice provides a state-by-state list of approved credit counseling agencies.

Once you’ve found a trustworthy credit counselor, they’ll help you evaluate your financial situation.¹ They might start by helping you make a budget.⁵ They might also ask you to close your credit card accounts to safeguard against accruing more debt while enrolled in the debt management program.²

Establish your debt management plan. Your credit counselor might then work with your creditors to lower your monthly payment(s), lower interest rates, or waive certain fees, like late fees or other penalties.¹ If your creditors agree to the proposed debt management plan, your credit counseling organization will change how you pay your bills. Instead of making standard separate monthly payments to each creditor, you’ll make one combined monthly payment to your credit counselor.² The credit counselor will then pay your creditors on your behalf.

But take note: Even though most credit counseling agencies are non-profit, you may have to pay a monthly fee of about $30-$100 for their services.²

Being enrolled in a debt management program itself won’t affect your credit score. But being enrolled can affect other aspects of your credit, thereby affecting your credit score. 

For example, closing credit card accounts or settling your accounts for less than the full amount owed can both have negative effects on your credit score.^6,7 But for many people in debt, managing that debt—even with the risk of negatively impacting their credit score—may be a better alternative to declaring bankruptcy, which can cause your credit score to fall and will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years.⁸

Credit counseling agencies can do more than help you develop and follow a debt management plan. Since counselors are typically certified and trained in areas relating to consumer credit, debt management, and budgeting, they may be able to help you:⁹

• Create a personalized, workable budget.
• Improve your money management skills.
• Obtain free financial educational materials.
• Get a free copy of your credit report.  

Despite the possibility of a fee, mentioned above, initial non-profit credit counseling services may be offered free of charge, regardless of whether or not you choose to enroll in a debt management program.²