Updated Last: May 1, 2023

DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. remains open, operating during our normal business hours.

  • Monday – Thursday 6 AM – 6 PM Pacific

  • Fridays 6 AM – 5 PM Pacific

The entirety of our team is working remotely. Due to the increase in call volume and web traffic, we may experience some technical difficulties. We apologize for any inconvenience.

COVID-19 Debt Management FAQ’s

We understand that many of our clients have been affected financially by this pandemic. Incomes have been reduced and jobs have been cut across the United States. We put together some common questions as well as some resources. We’ll continue to update this page with new information as this situation unfolds.

  • Can you lower my current payment?

Yes! DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. now offers a financial hardship ‘safety net’ program for clients enrolled in DebtWave’s debt management program.

Known as the Extended Modification Solution or EMS program, DebtWave’s financial hardship plan allows for a further reduction in a consumer’s monthly payment to their participating creditors. While primarily designed for consumers financially affected by COVID-19, DebtWave’s EMS program is available for any active client experiencing financial hardship, including financial hardship not directly related to the coronavirus.

Please contact your counselor for more information by calling us at 888-686-4040 or learn more about DebtWave’s EMS financial hardship program here

  • Can I skip a payment?

As of right now, no. 

Credit card companies haven’t informed us of any special exemptions from payments at this time. Regular monthly payments remain due every 30 days. If you skip a payment, your creditors may remove you from this plan and increase your interest rates back to where they were before. Some exemptions are being made, but on a case-by-case basis only. If you’re having trouble affording your payment, contact your counselor for more information about our Extended Modification Solution (EMS) Program by calling us at 888-686-4040 or learn more about DebtWave’s EMS financial hardship program here

  • What about my credit report?

Under the CARES Act, lenders are required to report to credit bureaus that consumers are current on their loans if consumers have sought relief from their lenders due to the pandemic.

Additionally, all three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are offering consumers FREE weekly credit reports during the coronavirus pandemic. You can order a copy of your credit report by visiting each credit bureau’s specific website or visit AnnualCreditReport.com here

  • What other options are available?

At DebtWave, our team is comprised of certified credit counselors. If you need help, please call us or schedule an appointment here. We’d be happy to walk through your budget and let you know what options might be available. 

Rent & Mortgage Payment Assistance

The federal eviction moratorium has expired. The Supreme Court ruled in August 2021 that an extension on any federal eviction moratorium is not lawful, allowing evictions in much of the country to proceed legally.  

Mortgage Payments

Learn more here.

Renters

The federal eviction moratorium has expired. There are a handful of state laws that may offer you protection, but that is being handled on a state-by-state, sometimes county-by-county basis. Renters: You can use this tool created by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Stanford Law School to find more information about eviction and rent protections in your state. There are state laws and emergency orders allowing renters in some states eviction protections. 

For more resources, visit the U.S. Housing Department’s coronavirus resource page for renters or speak with a housing counselor by calling 877-542-9723.

Utilities

  • If you do not have access to or cannot afford to maintain internet access at home but need access to the internet for work or school, there are several options available:
    • Access From AT&T: Low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households. Note this package is not special for COVID-19 but is available at a lower cost. 
    • Comcast Internet essentials: Low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households. Now available for free for the first two months.
    • Mediacom: Offering internet access to students at a reduced rate.
    • Verizon: Reduced fee internet services available at a 3-tier level for low-income customers.

Several internet providers have announced they are waiving late payment fees, increasing caps on internet speeds, and will not disconnect customers for not paying monthly bills on time. Contact your provider or visit their website for more information. 

Student Loans

  • The federal student loan freeze has been extended through June 30, 2023, OR until the U.S. Supreme Court either allows the U.S. Department of Education to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved.

The student loan payment pause is extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program, or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 — payments will resume 60 days after that. 

On August 24, 2022, President Biden announced student loan forgiveness for millions of Americans. Under Biden’s plan, student loan debt forgiveness is based on your income. You can qualify for up to $10,000 ($20,000 with Pell Grants) if your income is $125,000 if you’re single; or up to $250,000 in household income.

There will be an application for loan forgiveness — it will not be automatic. The application is available here.

For more information on student loans and the coronavirus, visit the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Coronavirus Resource page. 

Auto Loan Payments

  • Worried about making your auto loan payment? The CFPB offers resources to help you work with your lender to avoid falling behind.

Additional COVID-19 Resources

For additional resources in your area, please call 211 or visit 211’s COVID resources page here. 211 has specific updates regarding available resources to help individuals access the following:

  • Health Insurance and Medical Expenses
  • Home Internet Access
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans for Small Businesses
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities Payment Assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
  • Food Assistance
  • Relief for “Gig Economy” Workers & Contractors
  • Mental Health & Crisis