Debt help options in US
The US debt-relief system centres on four main routes: Debt Management Plans, Debt Consolidation, Debt Settlement, and Chapter 7/13 bankruptcy.
Free, independent debt advice is available before you commit to any paid solution — always check what’s free in your country first.
Debt Management Plan (DMP)
Repay debts in full over a longer period, via a credit counselling agency
Debt settlement
Negotiating a lump-sum reduced payoff, usually damages credit further short-term
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Liquidation — stays on credit report ~10 years, typical costs $1,500-5,000
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Court-supervised repayment plan, usually 3-5 years
Compare side by side
| Option | Known for |
|---|---|
| Debt Management Plan (DMP) | Repay debts in full over a longer period, via a credit counselling agency |
| Debt settlement | Negotiating a lump-sum reduced payoff, usually damages credit further short-term |
| Chapter 7 bankruptcy | Liquidation — stays on credit report ~10 years, typical costs $1,500-5,000 |
| Chapter 13 bankruptcy | Court-supervised repayment plan, usually 3-5 years |
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Descriptions above are honest, general guidance, not financial advice. Full side-by-side comparison also available on the Compare Debt Options page.