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Credit Counseling & Debtor Education

Credit Counseling & Debtor Education Information

Credit counseling (CC) must be obtained before an individual files for bankruptcy, subject to very limited exceptions. If the CC course is not completed before filing, the case could be dismissed.

Debtor education (DE) is a separate course that must be taken after an individual files for bankruptcy. With limited exceptions, debtors must complete the DE course to receive a bankruptcy discharge.

Links to the lists of CC agencies and DE providers approved by the United States Trustee Program to provide these bankruptcy-related services are below.

Important Information

December 29, 2022

Updated Applications, Instructions and Appendices for Credit Counseling and Debtor Education have been posted to the United States Trustee Program’s website. Effective immediately, all applicants must use the updated Application and Appendices when applying for approval or re-approval as a credit counseling agency or debtor education provider. The forms are in effect until September 30, 2025.

Judicial Districts:
   Identify Your County's Judicial District

Report Complaints:
   Report Complaint by Email
   202-514-4100

Credit Counseling Final Rule:
EOUST-102 [PDF -690 KB]

Debtor Education Final Rule:
EOUST-104 [PDF -511 KB]

Administrative decisions regarding credit counseling agencies and debtor education providers:
   Credit Counseling Agencies
   Debtor Education Providers

For Consumers
Credit Counseling for Consumers
Debtor Education

The United States Trustee Program does not endorse or recommend any particular credit counseling agency or debtor education provider, or guarantee the quality of its counseling or instructional services.

For Applicants
Credit Counseling
Debtor Education

If you wish to apply for approval to provide nonprofit budget and credit counseling services, and/or post-filing debtor education, please click on the "Application, Instructions, and Appendices" links above.