The Debtor Education Course - Your "Ticket Out" of the Bankruptcy Process
The Debtor Education Course must be completed after your attorney has filed your bankruptcy petition, but before you receive your discharge. Depending on where you live and which agency you use, you may be able to complete the course by telephone, in person, or over the Internet. The Debtor Education Course is intended to help you make the best possible use of the fresh start bankruptcy provides. The course should include information on creating a budget, managing money, and using credit wisely, among other things.
Where Can I Find an Approved Debtor Education Course?
You can find an affordable, interactive, online Debtor Education Course at www.startfreshtoday.com. For other approved courses, check the U.S. Trustee's list at www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/de_approved.htm.
How Much Does a Debtor Education Course Cost?
The cost of the Debtor Education Course may vary depending on location, the agency you use, and whether you complete the course in person, by phone, or via the Internet. The U.S. Trustee's office indicates that you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for your Debtor Education Course. The online Start Fresh Today Debtor Education Course is priced at $49. Start Fresh Today also offers a telephonic Debtor Education Course for $59.
The agency cannot charge an extra fee for the required certificate.
When Should I Complete my Debtor Education Course?
Your Debtor Education Course must be completed after you've filed your bankruptcy petition and before you receive your discharge. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, that provides a fairly small window of time during with the course must be completed. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, you'll have more time to complete the course, but completing the course earlier in the process might be helpful to you as you adjust to living on the strict budget that a Chapter 13 repayment plan requires.
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Is this Different From the "Credit Counseling" Briefing?
The Credit Counseling Briefing and the Debtor Education Course are two completely separate requirements. Each requires completion of a different program and you will be issued separate certificates for the two programs. They are both required. The Credit Counseling Briefing is a pre-filing requirement, and with some very limited exceptions, your bankruptcy case will be dismissed if you have not completed the Credit Counseling Briefing in advance of filing. You must complete the Debtor Education Course after filing, but before discharge.