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Credit Counseling Application Process

Important Notice:

  • New applicants and renewal applicants should become familiar with the USTP’s Final Rule titled “Application Procedures and Criteria for Approval of Nonprofit Budget and Credit Counseling Agencies by United States Trustees” that went into effect April 15, 2013. The Rule is available on the USTP’s public Web site here.
  • Provided below are the forms and supporting documents that must be completed and submitted in order to be considered for approval as a credit counseling agency (pre-bankruptcy).

 

Documents
Subject Other Formats Effective Date
Instructions for Application for Approval As a NonProfit Budget and Credit Counseling Agency [PDF - 331 KB] 12/29/2022
IMPORTANT NOTE: In completing the application, if it is necessary to include attachments, please clearly cross reference the attachment to the corresponding section of the application. This will expedite the review of your application.
Application for Approval as a Nonprofit Budget and Credit Counseling Agency * [PDF/F - 499 KB] 12/29/2022
Appendix A: Acknowledgments, Agreements, and Declarations in Support of Application for Approval as a Nonprofit Budget and Credit Counseling Agency * [PDF/F - 92 KB] 12/29/2022
Appendix B: Judicial Districts * [PDF/F - 200 KB] 12/29/2022
Appendix C: Counseling Methods and Business Locations * [PDF/F - 60 KB] 12/29/2022
Appendix D: Matrix of Current Counselors * [PDF/F - 214 KB] 12/29/2022
Appendix E: Activity Report for Approved Agencies *
Note: Version 9.0 or later of Adobe Reader is required for this document. 
 [PDF/F - 144 KB] 12/29/2022
* Note: Space for entry of information may be limited in certain fields. If additional space is required to complete an answer, attach a separate page with appropriate identifying information in the top, right-side of page.
Process for Obtaining a Waiver of the Employment Prohibition for Individuals with Certain Criminal Convictions [PDF - 20 KB] May 23, 2013
Federal Judicial Districts Covered by the U.S. Trustee Program [PDF - 14 KB]  
 

Notice to Credit Counseling Applicants that Offer Debt Management Plans

The United States Trustee Program has developed a recommended bond form for Nonprofit Budget and Credit Counseling Agencies that offer debt management plans. This recommended bond form is not mandatory. It does, however, include language the U.S. Trustee Program has determined to satisfy minimum requirements. View a .pdf fillable version of the bond form here: [PDF/F - 138 KB] (Posted: 8/17/05)

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Updated July 19, 2024