Consumer credit counseling now available through NYSUT

NYSUT Benefit Trust recently endorsed the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Central New York for all bargaining unit members. This nonprofit, community-service organization has provided free, confidential counseling to thousands since 1972.

Toll-free credit management advice is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If in-depth credit counseling is needed, arrangements will be made for an appointment with a counselor located in your area. Credit management counseling services are provided free of charge.

CCCS, a Housing and Urban Development-certified counseling agency, provides housing counseling and education, pre-purchase counseling, home buying seminars and more. Housing counseling services are provided free of charge.

Through its debt repayment plan, financially stressed consumers can repay creditors over time, without additional loans or the stress of personal bankruptcy. Debt repayment services are available by phone, mail, online or in person. These services are priced using a sliding-scale monthly fee.

CCCS/CNY also offers a credit report review. Financial experts recommend checking your credit report at least once a year for accuracy.

Credit report reviews are conducted as in-person appointments only. The fee for a credit report review depends on how many reports are reviewed, and fees vary by location. Credit report review services are available in many, but not all, locations in New York state. These services may not be available in all states.

For an informational brochure, call Member Benefits at (800) 626-8101, e-mail benefits@nysutmail.org or go to http://www.memberbenefits.nysut.org.

To contact CCCS directly, New York state residents should call (800) 479-6026; out-of-state residents call (800) 388-2227.

It is important that callers identify themselves as NYSUT members.