Debt elimination refers to strategies that help people lower, settle, or reorganize unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills. The goal is to make payments more manageable or resolve balances faster through negotiation, consolidation, or other programs.

DECNA.org stands for Debt Elimination & Creditor Negotiation Advocates, a consumer resource network that connects people with licensed debt negotiation providers.

Yes, you can contact creditors directly and attempt to settle. Many people choose professionals because they have established relationships with creditors and experience negotiating better settlement terms.

Yes. Personal financial information is protected under privacy laws and never shared without consent. Only authorized agents involved in your case can access your file.

Once all accounts are settled, your balances should show as zero and 'settled' or 'paid' on your credit report. Many people begin rebuilding credit at that point with small secured loans or credit-builder cards.

Bankruptcy is a legal process filed in court that can discharge or reorganize debt but stays on your credit report for up to 10 years. Debt relief or negotiation is a voluntary arrangement between you and creditors to settle for less than owed, without going through the courts.

Most debt elimination options may lower your credit score temporarily because accounts can be reported as settled or paid for less than full balance. However, resolving debts can help you rebuild credit faster than staying behind on payments indefinitely.

Most programs start around $10,000 in unsecured debt. That includes credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, or other non-collateral debts.

Unsecured debts—credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, and collection accounts—are typically eligible. Secured debts like car loans or mortgages are not.

You might receive some calls early in the process, but once your creditors begin working with the negotiation team, contact usually decreases. You can always request that creditors communicate in writing.

Legitimate debt elimination programs are regulated and transparent about fees, timelines, and expected results. You should avoid any company that guarantees results or asks for upfront payment before settling any debts.

Most clients see settlements in 24–48 months depending on their balances, income, and ability to make monthly payments. Timelines vary case by case.

During negotiation, your accounts typically become inactive. Creditors are contacted to arrange settlements for less than the full balance. Once settled, the account shows a zero balance on your credit report.

Yes. You remain responsible for your debts until they’re officially settled or paid. The negotiation team works on your behalf but doesn’t assume ownership of your accounts.

Fees depend on the provider and the total amount of debt enrolled. Reputable programs charge only after at least one debt has been successfully settled and disclosed in advance.

Payments typically go into a secure, FDIC-insured account that you control. Funds accumulate there until used to pay negotiated settlements.

If your situation changes, contact your advocate immediately. Missing payments can delay settlements, but most programs can adjust your plan temporarily if needed.

Federal student loans usually have different options like income-based repayment or forgiveness programs. Private student loans may sometimes qualify for settlement or negotiation depending on the lender.

Sometimes. The IRS may treat forgiven debt as taxable income, but many people qualify for exceptions under 'insolvency' rules. A tax professional can clarify your specific situation.

If you qualify, you will be matched with a preferred licensed provider partnered with DECNA.org to perform the actual negotiations. The name of the service provider partner will be disclosed at the time you are matched.

Once an account is included in a settlement negotiation, new interest and late fees typically stop accumulating on that debt. Creditors may still apply charges before settlement is reached, but programs aim to minimize those costs.

Collection accounts can often still be negotiated for a reduced balance. The process usually involves contacting the collector or debt buyer directly to reach a settlement agreement.

Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into one new loan—usually with interest. Debt relief, or settlement, negotiates existing debts down to a lower balance without taking out new credit.

No. Once enrolled, those accounts are typically closed to prevent new balances from accumulating. This allows settlements to move forward more predictably.

Each settlement is confirmed in writing from the creditor before payment is made. You’ll receive documentation showing the original balance, settlement amount, and confirmation once paid.

Most creditors eventually participate, but if one doesn’t, funds can be redirected to other accounts or used to make a larger payment offer later. Your advocate monitors those exceptions closely.

There’s always a chance of a lawsuit until debts are fully resolved, but programs aim to contact creditors quickly to reduce that risk. It’s important to stay responsive if contacted by a creditor or collection attorney.

No, participation in debt elimination programs doesn’t involve court appearances. Only bankruptcy cases or active collection lawsuits would require legal proceedings.

If wages are already being garnished, only a court order or bankruptcy can stop it immediately. However, debt negotiation can sometimes prevent future garnishments by reaching settlements before legal action.

Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw funds or cancel at any time. However, doing so before settlements are reached may delay your progress or affect savings built for negotiations.

Yes. You’ll receive regular updates showing which accounts have been settled, which are in negotiation, and the status of your settlement account balance.