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Checklist For Seniors With Debt Problems

1.) Start with a debt assessment.
• Use the Debt Assessment to determine income available for debt payment.
• Print out the Debt Assessment. List all bills by amount due and whether secured.

2.) Will budgeting or other strategies resolve the problem?
• See “Prioritization of Debt”
• See “Strategies For Limiting Future Debt”
• See “Reverse Mortgages”

3.) Is the client eligible for additional income or benefits?
• Income - see “You May Be Able To Get SSI”
• Medical expenses - see “Facts About Medicaid”
• Prescription drugs - see “Prescription Drug Assistance”
• Food assistance - see “Food Assistance Benefits”
• Veteran’s benefits – see “VA Benefit Summary”
• Possible pension benefits - see "Do You Have a Pension Problem?"
• Earned Income Credit - see “Earned Income Credit”
• Home Heating Help - see “Consumer Alert: Home Heating Help”

4.) Has the debt been referred to a collection agency?
• See “Fair Debt Collection”
• See “Your Access to Free Credit Reports”
• See “Sample Do Not Contact Letter”
• See “How To Talk To Bill Collectors”

5.) Has the creditor threatened or filed a lawsuit?
• See “Facts About Garnishment”
• See “Examples of Income Exempt From Garnishment”
• See “Senior Citizens & Bankruptcy”

Check our links section for a list of other agencies that can help seniors.