Writing a Simple Debt Reduction Request letter (with Samples)
Use this sample debt reduction request letter as a template for your formal debt reduction letter.
Last updated on January 18th, 2019
Simple Debt Reduction Request letter (Free Sample)
There are many reasons a person may need to reduce their credit card, mortgage, car loan or other debt payments. The most common reason is loss of income because of loss of job or because a spouse lost his or her job resulting in their monthly income being reduced.
A consumer can write a debt reduction request letter to his or hercreditor to ask for lower paymentsfor a specified period of time or to ask for a lower interest rate. Whatever the request, the result should be lower monthly payments.
The debt reduction request letter should clearly state that the borrower is fully aware of his or her debt and any interest and fees, and has every intention of paying it. This sends the message to the collection department that the person is responsible and opens the door for cooperation with debt negotiation.
Financial Difficulties The letter should also offer a solution that is fair and reasonable for both the borrower and lender. Most creditors would rather work with a borrower than start extensive debt collection proceedings. However, a letter requesting forgiveness of the debt is not likely to succeed.
The letter should explain the financial difficulties that have created the problem without sounding complaining. The tone should be matter-of-fact and not include any threats such as the possibility of declaring bankruptcy if help is not given.
Remain Courteous
The tone of the letter should remain courteous and respectful and explain that the sender would be extremely grateful if his or her payments were reduced for a specified time. The sender may explain that they are unable to make the current payments, but they should not express it in a hostile manner.
If the debt is credit card debt, the borrower may first speak to the credit card customer service representative and ask about payments owed and late fees. Once they know how much they owe, borrowers can determine the amount they can afford to pay each month.
If the customer service representative cannot or will not negotiate the debt, the borrower should ask to speak to a supervisor who may have the power to be more helpful. If the borrower gets no help through a phone call, they should write a debt reduction letter.
If the consumer wants to consult a debt counselor before writing a debt reduction request letter, he or she should make sure the counselor is reputable. A reputable credit counseling agency will give you free information about its services before asking you for any of your personal financial information.
Financial Information First
If an agency asks for your financial information first, it should be considered a warning and the consumer should go elsewhere. Consumers can get a list of approved credit counseling agencies from the United States Trustee Program.
The letter should request that the unpaid debt not be mentioned to a credit agency. If the debt is not paid for 180 days, the creditor may write it off as a loss, but the consumer’s credit report will be drastically lowered, and they will still owe the money.
Below is a sample debt reduction request letter. It should be written in formal business letter style and sent by certified mail with a return request. This is the way in which the sender will have proof that the letter was received. The sender should keep a copy of the letter and any other communications connected with the request to reduce debt payments.
Sample Debt ReductionRequest Letter
Consumer’s Name
Consumer’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Recipient’s Name
Recipient’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Recipient,
The purpose of this letter is to formally request a reduction in paymentsfor the medical bills I owe your hospital. I regret that I am unable to pay the bill in full at this time because my monthly income has been greatly reduced after the automobile accident in which I broke both of my legs.
I am requesting a payment plan of $100 per month until the time that I am able to continue working and receiving my usual salary. The rehabilitation may take from six to nine months. At this time, my income is $$$$ and I have a home mortgage of $$$$ to pay. I will pay by check on the 15th of each month beginning DATE.
If this is agreeable to you, kindly send me a letter stating the repayment details as I have described. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or a Name@email.com, and I would be happy to talk to you and give you more details at any time.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Printed Name of Consumer
List of Enclosures
By Andre Bradley
Related Articles
- Writingan Unableto Pay Debt Letter (with Sample)
- Writinga Student Loan Hardship Letter (with Sample)
- Writinga Medical Debt Settlement Letter (with Sample)
- Writing a Debt Forgiveness Letter (with Sample)
