It’s Time to Get Started!
Get Ready to Join the CCCSMD Family!
Congratulations on taking the first steps towards a financially healthier future! We know starting something new, like a Debt Management Program (DMP), can be scary and you might have a lot of questions. From the moment you sign up for a DMP, our team is available to provide you information specific to your account, about the DMP in general or just provide some motivation and guidance along the way.
How to Activate Your Account
Activate your Debt Management Program (DMP) in four easy steps!
- Sign and return the DMP Paperwork
- Complete the ACH form and return it with a voided check or bank direct deposit letter or provide authorization to draft a one-time payment. You can also make your first payment online. View FAQs for other payment options.
- Change your creditor due dates to align with your new DMP payment due date.
- Provide us with your full account numbers, if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Debt Management Program (DMP)
How can I change my creditor due dates?
You can change your creditor due dates by calling your creditors and requesting that they change your monthly due date. Your creditor may advise that it will take 1-3 billing cycles for the update to take effect. This is acceptable and will not hinder your program.
Please see the recommended due dates chart below:
ACH Payment Draft Date: Ask to Change Creditor Due Date to:
3rd of the month The 18th of the same month
8th of the month The 23rd of the same month
18th of the month The 30th of the same month
23rd of the month The 8th of the following month
Why do I have to change my creditor due dates?
It is important that we receive your monthly Debt Management Program (DMP) payment prior to your creditors’ due dates to ensure that your creditors receive their monthly payment before their due date.
What do I do if I have questions about my paperwork?
We are here to help! You can send all questions about your paperwork to info@cccsmd.org or use the message box below.
How can I send my documents?
You can upload your documents directly to your online portal. Once you upload your documents, we ask that you email us at info@cccsmd.org to notify us that the documents have been uploaded. Click here for more information on how to upload documents through the online portal.
How can I make my first payment?
There are several ways for you to make your first payment. You can return your completed ACH withdrawal form, along with a voided check or bank deposit letter, and we will draft your payment on your requested date. You can also provide us with your authorization to draft your first payment on a specific date by completing the one-time payment authorization form or by calling us to make your payment over the phone. You can also make a payment online and instructions can be found HERE. Lastly, you can make your payment by mailing a certified check or money order.
Why do I have to submit payment information to start the program?
Providing your authorization for your first payment allows CCCSMD to begin contacting your creditors about the proposed repayment terms. Authorizing your first payment also allows us to inform your creditors of when they will be receiving the first payment for the new repayment terms. Creditors require payment within 30 days of the date that they accept our proposed repayment terms.
I want to start my Debt Management Program as soon as possible, but I am unable to make my first payment today. Can I still begin the program?
Yes, providing us with a copy of your completed ACH form and voided check or bank direct deposit letter will allow us to activate your program and begin contacting your creditors.
You also have the option to provide us with your authorization to draft a one-time payment on a future date. Click here to complete the one-time payment authorization form. Please upload the form through the online portal. Once you provide us with your authorization to draft your first payment, we will activate your program and begin contacting your creditors.
I don’t have a voided check, what other supporting document can I submit to confirm my banking information?
You can submit any bank document that confirms your full bank account number.
What if I need to cancel my recurring ACH draft?
You must notify our agency of your request to stop your payment at least two full business days prior to your scheduled draft date. Please contact us at info@cccsmd.org or call us at 1800-642-2227 if you need to cancel your scheduled draft.
When do you begin contacting my creditors?
We can begin to contact your creditors once you complete the following:
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- Electronically sign Debt Management Program (DMP) paperwork
- Complete ACH form and return it with a voided check or bank direct deposit letter or provide authorization to draft a one-time payment.
- Provide us with your full account numbers, if requested.
Can I pay off my program early?
Yes, you are always welcome to pay off your program early. There are no additional fees associated with paying off your program early. Email us at info@cccsmd.org for more information on paying off your program.
How will enrolling on the DMP impact my credit?
At the beginning of your program, you may see a fluctuation in your credit score due to creditors closing or suspending your accounts. Making your DMP payment on time along with the decreasing balances tends to help increase your credit score over time.
Is the Debt Management Program (DMP) a loan?
No, the debt management program is not a loan. The DMP works by combining your individual creditor monthly payments into a single, more affordable, monthly payment. Your creditor balances gradually decrease as you make your payments each month.
Do I have to stay on the program the full number of years that my paperwork says it will take to pay off my debts?
No, the goal of the program is to repay all of your debts in full. You have the option to pay off your debts sooner than your projected payout dates. You also have the option to cancel your program at any time. Cancelling your program will result in your creditors reinstating your original creditor repayment terms. Please contact us at 1800-642-2227 for more information.
Still have questions about getting started on your program?
Your Client Experience Manager is here to answer any questions you might have about your program. You can email your questions to info@cccsmd.org or fill out the simple form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
6315 Hillside Court, Suite B,
Columbia MD 21046
1-800-642-2227