Debt; counseling

Debt counseling sees itself as holistic personal help, but it cannot provide financial support to pay off debts. An individual solution is sought together according to the economic and personal circumstances of the person concerned. The aim of debt counseling is to enable individuals to regain an optimistic perspective and active life planning, to strengthen their ability to help themselves by raising awareness of the causes of over-indebtedness. Further assistance includes drawing up an economic and repayment plan, negotiating with creditors, and support with debt restructuring in cooperation with banks.

Debt counseling is offered free of charge. All information provided by those seeking advice is treated in strict confidence.

Debt counseling is a task of the districts and independent cities. They carry out this task

• partly through their own municipal debt counseling centers,
• on a large scale via the advice centers of the independent welfare associations (Caritas, Diakonisches Werk, Arbeiterwohlfahrt, Rotes Kreuz, Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband).

You can obtain information about the debt counseling centers in your area from the responsible social welfare administration (social welfare office). You can find a list of debt counselling offices and recognized insolvency counselling offices in Bavaria under "Further links".

Advice can be given to any private household that is in need of help or is at risk of social decline.

The basic prerequisite for effective debt counseling is active and long-term cooperation between the person seeking help and the counselor.

People seeking advice must be prepared,

• disclose all debts and all possible sources of income,
• follow the debt advisor's recommendations and comply with agreements and
• to change their financial management if necessary.

If you are willing to accept these restrictions, it is possible to obtain debt advice that promises success.

Whether and, if so, which deadlines must be observed depends on the individual situation.

• Documents as proof of over-indebtedness
• Proof of income and expenditure
• Proof of use of state aid
• Notices
• Wage tax certificate
• Reminders and current statements of receivables
• Seizure orders
• Termination of tenancy, eviction
• Blocking the energy and heat supply
• Application for rent debt assumption
• Application for account seizure protection
• Proof of pending criminal proceedings

The consultation is free of charge.

• § Section 16a Social Security Code II
• § Section 11 Social Code XII (SGB XII)

• Debt counseling in Bavaria

  with list of advice centers

You must contact a debt advice center with your request. The further course of the procedure depends on the specific situation.

Even at the first signs of financial difficulties, it would make sense to contact a debt advice center, for example if

• urgent purchases are only possible via installment purchases,
• the account is frequently overdrawn,
• first reminders from creditors are received.

Experience has shown that the best results are achieved when help is sought early on. Therefore, the consultation should not be delayed.

Please contact your advice center to find out which forms you need.