Credit Counseling

Housing and Credit Counseling Inc is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and all of our counseling staff are certified by the NFCC.  All members can be identified by the NFCC member seal.

This seal represents accredited agencies with high standards, ethical practices, certified counselors, and policies and practices which help consumers achieve financial stability.  It is important that individuals choosing a credit counseling agency do their homework before making their decision.  If you have any concerns about whether an agency is licensed to do business in Kansas, review the State Bank Commissioner's list of approved agencies.

One-on-One Counseling

Our Credit Counseling Program is available in person at our Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan and Emporia office locations.  The contact us page provides both the address and phone number to find our locations and schedule an appointment.  Interviews are confidential and can be held in person, by phone, mail or Internet. There is a one-time $35 counseling fee payable at the first visit, and all other visits and phone calls are free.  You can pay for counseling fees on-line. This fee may be waived for those who meet the criteria for severe financial distress.  No one is turned away because of inability to pay.  This service is available to anyone regardless of race, sex, creed, color, and/or social or financial position.  The counselor will help you determine if you will be eligible for a debt repayment plan.  HCCI's debt repayment plans are organized by the counselor in-house and then set up and managed by a national center.

For clients who are currently enrolled in a debt management plan, you can access your account on-line.  At this site, you can view your account summary and history, update balances and contact information, and make inquiries -- 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. 

It is important that you prepare in advance for your session.  At your session, a certified credit counselor will go over your financial information and answer your questions on budgeting and debt management.   In addition to our consumer credit counseling, we also offer specialized counseling on mortgage delinquency and reverse mortgages. 

The Need for Credit Counseling

Each year, thousands of people are faced with debt problems. Most of these problems are caused by:

• no family budget or savings

• no plan for unexpected expenses or emergencies

• "buy now - think later" spending

• loss of income; unplanned pregnancy; divorce

• borrowing to pay bills

• uninsured medical expenses

• credit card abuse

If you have questions on whether you or a family member have a problem managing debt, you may want to take this debt use quiz.  We also have a fritter finder that can assist you in tracking your monthly expenses.

Credit Counseling helps... 

You...
with a feeling of personal relief and improved family life when the tension and stress of debt problems are removed.

Creditors...
with fewer losses due to collection and to individual bankruptcies.

Employers...
through improved performance and attitude of employees when personal money problems are under control and collection calls cease.