First Responders Debt Relief

Century’s 3-Step program has worked for over 255,000 people and counting.

Learn how debt settlement works.

Learn About Debt Relief for First Responders

You spend your life protecting our communities, responding to emergencies, and saving lives. When the shift ends, facing high-interest debt is an additional strain that you don't need on top of the stressful situations you encounter every day on the job. Century Support Services' debt relief for first responders is a structured plan to help you resolve unsecured debts. We offer free consultations to discuss your financial situation and determine whether you qualify for our program.

Understanding Debt Settlement Versus Bankruptcy

Debt settlement is a fundamentally different approach to resolving debt than bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal process involving the federal court system. It becomes a matter of public record, and often involves liquidating assets or adhering to a court-mandated repayment schedule.

Debt settlement is a private business negotiation. It's not a lawsuit, and it doesn't take place in a courtroom. Through debt settlement, we negotiate directly with your creditors on your behalf. Our goal is to get them to agree to accept less than the full amount you owe as payment in full. This allows you to resolve your obligations privately, without the stigma or public exposure of filing for bankruptcy. It's a strategic approach designed to get you out of debt faster and for significantly less money than you currently owe.

How Century’s Program Works

The Financial Challenges Facing First Responders

First responders often face circumstances that can strain their finances. The physical demands of the job can lead to injuries that result in lost overtime pay or forced time off. The emotional toll and high-stress environment can sometimes lead to spending as a coping mechanism, or simply the need for convenience that comes with a higher price tag. Irregular shifts and long hours can make it difficult to manage a strict budget.

When you rely on credit cards to bridge the gap during tough times, the interest rates can quickly put you further in debt. Minimum payments often barely cover the interest, meaning the principal balance hardly moves. You might feel like you’re working harder than ever, picking up extra shifts, and missing time with family, yet your debt balances remain the same.

Our service is a solution to address these challenges. We stop the cycle of minimum payments. Instead of paying creditors interest that leads nowhere, you put money into a savings account that you control, which is used to settle your debts one by one.

Debt Settlement With SmartTrack™

First responder debt relief is available through SmartTrack™, a program well-regarded throughout the industry for its transparency, effectiveness, and support by our experienced team. If you qualify for the program, you'll stop paying your creditors directly and instead make a single, affordable monthly deposit into a dedicated, FDIC-insured account in your name. As these funds build up, our team of expert negotiators contacts your creditors to negotiate a settlement for less than the full balance owed, reducing your principal balance and saving you on the future interest of the current balance.

What You Can Expect With SmartTrack™

Here's what makes this rewarding process unique:

Savings - The primary goal is to lower your total debt load. By negotiating settlements, we save you from years of paying high interest rates that keep you trapped in a cycle of debt.
Accelerator - When you show strong program performance, consolidation loan options become available to pay off settlements even faster.
Support - You're never on your own. You'll have access to real people who understand your situation. Plus, the MyCentury client portal gives you 24/7 visibility into your progress, so you'll always know where you stand.
Promise - We commit to transparency and results-based pricing. We never charge hidden fees; you only pay us when we successfully settle a debt, and you approve that settlement.

Honoring Our Nation's First Responders

Our entire organization holds deep admiration for the men and women who risk their lives to aid and save Americans across the country. Your work requires courage and sacrifice, and we're proud to offer our expertise to help members of these vital professions stabilize their personal economies:

EMTs
Paramedics
Firefighters
Police Officers
Search and Rescue Teams
Nurses
Lifeguards

Comparing Your Debt Relief Options

Debt settlement isn't the only relief option for first responders managing high levels of unsecured debt. However, it is the only option that can reduce your overall debt burden without filing for bankruptcy. Here is an overview of the various options:

Credit Counseling - Working with an agency, you'll have a Debt Management Plan (DMP) where a representative will work with your creditors to lower your interest rates. You're still responsible for paying the total amount you owe, but the idea is that you'll save money through lower interest rates.
Debt Consolidation - Debt consolidation for first responders means taking out one lower-interest loan to pay off other high-interest debts. Again, this doesn't lower your principal balance. People with very good credit scores that qualify them for a low-interest loan and can afford the monthly payments might find consolidation a manageable option.
Bankruptcy - This is a legal declaration that you can't pay your debts. While it can discharge debts, the consequences are severe and can remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years. It's also public record, which can be problematic for first responders concerned about privacy or for those seeking higher positions in public service. Debt settlement offers a private alternative that aims to resolve debt without the long-term stigma of bankruptcy.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, our program is available to individuals in the first responder community who are struggling with unsecured debt. We evaluate every situation on a case-by-case basis during your free consultation to ensure this is the right fit for you.

: Our program only applies to unsecured debts, which typically include credit cards, medical bills, department store cards, and certain personal loans. We can't help with secured debts like mortgages or auto loans, nor can we assist with most student loans or tax debt. Qualifiers include financial hardship, such as a reduction in income or unexpected medical expenses; total unsecured debt of $10,000 or more; and a history of payment struggles.

: We have extensive industry experience with more than 300,000 clients settling over $2 billion in debt. Our team of Certified Debt Specialists understands negotiation tactics and consumer protection regulations, and they're always working with your best interests in mind. We're also ACDR-accredited, ensuring we adhere to the highest ethical standards in the industry.

: Yes, participating in any debt settlement program will affect your credit score, especially in the short term. You'll stop payments to creditors to build your settlement funds, causing your credit score to decline. However, as debts are settled and your debt-to-income ratio improves, many clients find they can begin rebuilding their credit profile. The goal is long-term stability rather than short-term credit score preservation.

: Our fee is based on the amount of debt we settle on your behalf and isn’t collected until we have successfully settled your debt. You won’t be required to make any upfront payments to us, and we promise there are no hidden fees in our program. We’re transparent about what you can expect to pay as we develop your settlement plan. The biggest benefit to our clients is how little risk is involved in our partnership because there is no fee unless they approve the debt settlement offer.

: The decision to commit and continue through our debt settlement program is entirely yours. You can cancel at any time without penalty.

: Creditors and lenders expect to be paid what they’re owed, but when borrowers fall behind on payments, creditors turn the account over to a collections agency. When an account is in collections and a debt settlement company like Century Support Services contacts the creditor, the creditor realizes the borrower is unable to pay the debt. The next step is usually bankruptcy, in which lenders don’t recover anything. These lenders would prefer to get partial payment through a settlement, rather than no payment in bankruptcy.

Speak With a Certified Debt Specialist

Take advantage of the first responder debt relief program at Century Support Services today. Waiting often makes the problem worse as interest continues to compound. You've spent your career helping others; now it is time for us to help you. Contact us to speak with a Certified Debt Specialist. We'll review your finances, answer your questions, and explain how our program can benefit you. The consultation is free and confidential.

Helpful Smart Money Resources

Debt Relief for Seniors: Managing Retirement on a Fixed Income

View Resource Center