Credit Counseling

Credit Counseling &
Debtor Education Costs

Two required courses before and after filing. What they cost, approved providers, and fee waiver options.

Two Required Courses

Every bankruptcy filer must complete two financial education courses: (1) a pre-filing credit counseling course (called a "briefing") and (2) a pre-discharge debtor education course (called "financial management"). These are separate courses from different (or the same) providers.

The pre-filing course must be completed within 180 days before filing your petition. The debtor education course must be completed after filing but before discharge.

Cost Breakdown

CourseTypical CostDurationFormat
Pre-filing credit counseling$15-$5060-90 minutesOnline, phone, or in-person
Post-filing debtor education$15-$502 hoursOnline or in-person
Total$30-$1003-3.5 hours

Finding Approved Providers

The U.S. Trustee Program maintains an official list of approved credit counseling agencies and debtor education providers by state. Only courses from approved providers satisfy the requirement. Using an unapproved provider means you'll need to retake the course.

Most approved providers offer online courses that can be completed at your own pace. The certificate is issued immediately upon completion and can be filed electronically with your petition.

Fee Waivers and Reduced Rates

Many approved agencies offer free or reduced-rate courses for low-income debtors. When you contact a provider, ask about fee waivers. If your income is below a certain threshold (varies by provider), the course may be free.

Some courts also waive the credit counseling requirement in exigent circumstances (such as imminent foreclosure), but this is rare and requires court approval.

What the Courses Cover

The pre-filing credit counseling course reviews your financial situation, explores alternatives to bankruptcy, and helps you create a basic budget. The counselor is required to assess whether a debt management plan might work for you, but they cannot prevent you from filing.

The debtor education course covers personal financial management: budgeting, saving, using credit wisely, and planning for the future. The content is basic and designed for general audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does bankruptcy credit counseling cost?
Pre-filing credit counseling typically costs $15-50. Post-filing debtor education costs another $15-50. Total: $30-100 for both required courses. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers.
Where do I take the required bankruptcy courses?
Only from providers approved by the U.S. Trustee Program. Check the official list at justice.gov/ust. Most providers offer online courses that take 1-2 hours each.
Can I skip the credit counseling requirement?
No. Both courses are mandatory under the Bankruptcy Code. Failure to complete them can result in case dismissal. The only exception is exigent circumstances approved by the court, which is extremely rare.
How long are the certificates valid?
The pre-filing credit counseling certificate is valid for 180 days. If you don't file within 180 days of completing the course, you must retake it. The debtor education certificate has no expiration once your case is filed.

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Last updated: April 2026. Not legal advice.

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