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

The Institute for Financial Literacy provides financial education and counseling services without regard to a client's ability to pay. Clients may seek a waiver of fees for credit counseling and/or debtor education and will be eligible if their household income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Documentation of household income must be received before the fee is waived. Documentation of household income, along with the name, telephone number, mailing address and email address of the individual requesting the fee waiver and the individual's attorney's name (if applicable), telephone and email address should be submitted in writing by mail. Submissions should be addressed to:

Institute for Financial Literacy
Attn: Fee Waiver Request
260 Western Avenue, Suite 1
South Portland, ME 04106

For clients applying for debtor education, Schedules I and J of their bankruptcy petition must be enclosed. Persons facing an immediate financial problem, such as a foreclosure deadline, and/or persons facing an impending court deadline, will be permitted to submit their requests and documentation by facsimile or email. For additional information call toll free at 1-866-662-4932.

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.