Get Started

If you are an internet client and have already been given a user name and password, please select the login button at the top right hand side of your screen to access your program.

If you are a Facilitator attorney and have already been given a user name and password, please select the login button at the top right hand side of your screen to access your web portal.

Summary

This page provides specific information for clients about signing up for the Institute’s services, including bankruptcy related Pre-Filing Counseling and/or Post-Filing Debtor Education. 

Client Contact Forms

These are single page forms designed for you to print out before contacting the Institute.  Each form corresponds to a particular service and delivery method, as the instructions vary slightly from one to the next.  The different services and delivery methods are explained in the Overview.  These forms are not required, but may help avoid some confusion.

Client Pre-Filing Counseling Instructions

Client Post-Filing Debtor Education Instructions

Pro Bono Services

All agencies and providers approved by the EOUST and Bankruptcy Administrators are required to provide services without regard to the client’s ability to pay.  The Institute is committed to ensuring that the counseling and education requirements do not create an obstacle to individuals in need of bankruptcy protection.  The Institute meets this commitment by:

• seeking out partnerships with legal aid organizations and individual pro bono providers
• automatically waiving service fees for clients of these legal aid organizations and pro bono providers
• waiving service fees for clients whose attorney certifies they have waived their legal fee in whole or in part
• waiving service fees upon request for clients whose documented gross income is less than 150% of the federal poverty line
• reviewing requests for service fee waivers under other circumstances on a case by case basis
• treating all clients with respect and provide quality service regardless of payment status

Legal services organizations and their supporters are encouraged to contact the Institute to discuss the available partnership options.  If you have any further questions about fee waivers, please call our offices toll free at 866-662-4932 during normal business hours.

Normal Business Hours

To Get Started

All clients, including internet clients, must call the Institute and speak with a counselor or educator to set up their service.  We do this to make sure we provide you with the correct service, answer all of your questions, and give you important information that you will need in order to receive a certificate of completion.

1. You will need to have the following information ready before you call:
   1. Your most recent bills, checkbook, and pay stubs; and
   2. A list of your debts, including minimum monthly payments and balances due.
      
      
2. Each service (Pre-Filing Counseling or Post-Filing Debtor Education) costs $50.00 (single or couple) regardless of delivery method. When you call, you will need to provide payment in one of 3 ways, unless you qualify for pro bono (free) services or your attorney (Facilitator) has already set up your service:
   1. Debit card. You will need to have your own debit card with you when you call.
   2. Electronic Withdrawal from your Checking or Savings Account. You will need your account number and your bank’s routing number when you call.
   3. Check or Money Order. You can mail payment in after signing up, but you will not be able to begin your session until your payment is received
   4. NO CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED!!!!!
      
      
3. Call 866-662-4932 during the Institute’s hours of operation and follow the instructions. If you are calling during a busy time you may have to wait up to 15 minutes before you can speak to someone, but normally you will be able to speak with someone in less than 5 minutes.  We understand that it can be frustrating to wait on hold, and appreciate your patience.  Someone will answer your call as quickly as possible.
   
   
4. When you reach a counselor or educator, tell them
   1. If your attorney has told you that your service is already set up with the Institute;
   2. If your attorney has given you a reference number to give to the Institute when you sign up;
   3. Whether you are calling for Pre-Filing Counseling or Post-Filing Debtor Education; and
   4. If you and your spouse are both filing bankruptcy together.

If you are confused about anything, just let the counselor or educator know and they will explain your options and help you get started.