Debtor Education FAQs

Q: Why is Debtor Education Necessary?

A: Current Bankruptcy law requires that all consumers wishing to eliminate debts under Chapter 7 or 13 take part in a personal financial management instructional program from a United States Trustee approved agency. This program is sometimes referred to as Personal Financial Management Instruction or Debtor Education. This education must take place prior to discharge of a petitioner’s debts.

Q: Where is 1 $ Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. approved to offer Personal Financial Management Instruction Certificates of Completion?

A: 1 $ Wiser is approved to issue Certificates in Compliance for a course in personal financial management in all Judicial Districts except those in Alabama and North Carolina. Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of an Agency’s services.

Q: When can I take my course?

A: At any time, 24/7. However, under normal circumstances, your instructor will be interacting with you M-F between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Central Time.

Q: What information will I need to provide to register for the course?

A: The following is a summary of the information you will need to provide:

  • Your full name
  • The district in which you reside
  • Your case number
  • Your address
  • Your email
  • Your phone number
  • Last 4 digits of your social security number
  • Your attorney’s name and email (if using an attorney)

Q: How long is my session?

A: The length of the course is 2 hours broken down into discrete sections. You may stop at any time and restart from the page on which you left off.

Q: Can you fail this Course?

A: No. Everyone who completes the course will receive a Certificate of Completion. There is however a graded test at the end of the course. Debtors who do not score at least 70% will receive a phone call or email from an instructor to review each question you missed to ensure understanding of the principles taught.

Q: How much does the instruction cost?

A: The cost of 1$W’s post-filing Debtor Education is $25 whether it is taken online or over the telephone. There is an additional fee for joint filers. Once you have begun the course, the fee is non-refundable.

Q: What determines an individual’s ability to pay?

A: 1 $ Wiser Consumer Education Inc. (1 $ Wiser) will waive the fee in whole or in part for 1 $ Wiser’s Personal Financial Management Instruction (Debtor Education) whenever a debtor demonstrates a lack of ability to pay.

A debtor presumptively lacks the ability to pay the fee if the debtor's household current income is less than 150% of the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902 (2), as adjusted from time to time, for a household or family of the size involved in the fee determination.

The presumption shall be rebutted, and 1 $ Wiser may charge the debtor a reduced fee, if 1 $ Wiser determines, based on income information the debtor submits, that the debtor is able to pay the fee in a reduced amount. Nothing requires 1 $ Wiser to charge a fee to debtors whose household income exceeds 150% of the poverty guidelines or who are able to demonstrate ability to pay based on income information submitted.

If debtor is requesting fee waiver or reduced fees, it must be done in writing before registering for credit counseling. 1 $ Wiser collects fees at the time of registration.

The criteria on which 1 $ Wiser relies in determining a debtor's eligibility for fee waiver or reduced fees are based on information submitted by debtors. The minimum information required to apply for fee waiver or fee reduction is:

  • 1. Debtor’s name(s), telephone number, and email address
  • 2. Names, ages, and relationship to debtor of all members of the family or household over the age of 18
  • 3. Names, ages, and relationship to debtor of all members of the household under 18 years old.
  • 4. Last 2 pay stubs for all adults (18+) in the family or household or proof of public assistance
  • 5. Last 2 bank statements for each adult (18+) in the family or household
  • 6. Prior year’s Federal Tax Return if item #4 is not available.

Alternately, if the debtor has received a waiver of court filing fees for in forma pauperis debtors, a copy of the fee waiver from the court may be submitted and will justify pro bono counseling.

Send your written request and ALL supporting documents via E-Mail to Info@1dollarwiser.com

All requests will be reviewed within 72 business hours of receipt.

1 $ Wiser may also waive fees based upon other considerations, including, but not limited to:

  • 1. The debtor's net worth;
  • 2. The % of the debtor's income from government assistance programs;
  • 3. Whether the debtor is receiving pro bono legal services in connection with a filed or anticipated bankruptcy case;

1 $ Wiser does not require a debtor to purchase debtor education in connection with the purchase of any other service offered by 1 $ Wiser.

Q: How do I Pay?

A: You or anyone else may pay with a debit or credit card during the registration process.

Q: Is 1 $ Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. a Non-Profit Organization?

A: Yes. 1 $ Wiser Consumer Education, Inc. is 501 (c) (3)organization.