Consumer Frequently Asked Questions


Course

  • What information will I need to complete the course?
    You need a unique User ID number (issued at course registration) to verify your identity. Have a general idea about your income, monthly expenses and creditors you owe (including debts that may be included in a bankruptcy case). It is not required to have exact figures. For example, if individual creditor information is not available, it will be sufficient to list categories of debt (ex. credit cards $10000, medical bills $3000 etc.). If you are taking a debtor education (after filing) course, you will need to have your bankruptcy case number (this can be obtained from your attorney or the court).
  • How do I sign up to take a course?
    Go to www.BKcert.com Click "Sign Up" and complete the requested information Click "Register" to submit your information Enter Payment information
  • What should I do if I am unable to login to the online course?
    Payment must be made before taking the course. If payment has been made: 1. Go to www.BKcert.com 2. Click on "Begin" 3. Enter your username and password (spelling and capitalization must be exactly as originally entered) 4. Call 866-859-7323 for additional assistance.
  • What should I do if I registered for the incorrect course?
    Call 866-859-7323 and a DECAF representative will switch the registration to the correct course.
  • What are the toll free numbers for the phone courses?
    You must be registered and paid for a course before you will be able to proceed. If you are registered and paid, call the following number for the appropriate course: 1. Credit Counseling (before filing) - Call 866-859-7323. Debtors Education (after filing) - Call 877-698-8028 3. You will need your User ID and Course ID (Call 866-859-7323 if you do not have this information)
  • My spouse is not available to take the course with me. Will DECAF issue a certificate for my spouse even though he/she cannot complete the course?
    No. Certificates can only be issued to persons who complete the course and participate in the follow-up counseling session. If you are filing a joint bankruptcy with your spouse, you will both need to complete the course. For situations where it is not possible for a spouse to complete the course, please consult your attorney.
  • My spouse completed the course, but is not available for the counseling session call. Will DECAF issue a certificate for my spouse?
    No. Please call back when you and your spouse are available for counseling (or call separately). We will have to speak to you AND your spouse before completion certificates will be issued. Counselors are available 24/7 for added convenience

General

  • Does my spouse need to be registered separately if we are both filing bankruptcy?
    No. Couples that are filing bankruptcy jointly are able to complete the course together, at no additional charge. Information is needed for both people for joint courses, and 2 user IDs will be provided. Your spouse will need to participate in the course and speak with a counselor to have a certificate issued.
  • I forgot my username and/or password, how do I get this information?
    To retrieve your username and password: 1. Click on the "forgotten password" link at the bottom of the www.BKcert.com homepage (if an email address was provided at registration). 2. Call 866-859-7323 for assistance
  • Does my username and password expire?
    No. Your username and password does not expire. You may login at any time to complete the course. In addition, you may review completed course material, free of charge.
  • What should I do if my call is disconnected while taking a phone course?
    If your phone course call is disconnected for any reason, call the appropriate phone course number to continue your progress in the course. The course will restart at the beginning of the section you were at when the call dropped. 1. For the Credit Counseling phone course (before filing), call 877-793-6795. 2. For the Debtor Education phone course (after filing), call 877-698-8028.
  • Will my attorney receive a copy of my completion certificate?
    Many attorneys have accounts with us and automatically receive copies of certificates upon course completion. If your attorney does not have an account with us, copies of your completion certificate may be emailed to your attorney if requested. Always confirm with your attorney that they received a copy of your completion certificate. A copy of your completion certificate can also be accessed by logging into your account and emailing or printing the certificate for your attorney.
  • When will my attorney receive a copy of my certificate?
    Completion certificates are available immediately after speaking with a counselor and having the certificate issued. If your attorney has an account with us, they will typically receive the completion certificate immediately through their account. If your attorney does NOT have an account, then the completion certificate can be emailed at your request (if an email address is available). A copy of your completion certificate can also be accessed by logging into your account and emailing or printing the certificate for your attorney. It is a good idea to ensure your attorney receives a copy of your certificate, whether they have an account or not.
  • Will I need to re-enter financial information I provided to my attorney?
    The financial information needed to complete the course is separate from information or documents you may have already provided to your attorney. The information needed to complete the course can be general in nature, with estimates used if necessary. This information is confidential and is needed to give our counselors a general idea about your current financial situation.
  • How do I obtain copies of completion certificates for me and my spouse?
    Login to your account and print or save a copy of your certificate at any time. 1. Go to www.BKcert.com . 2. Enter your username and password in the top, right hand corner and click "login". 3. Click on "View Certificate" by the appropriate course (your spouse will have a separate certificate). 4. Print or save a copy of the certificate for your records.
  • How do I print a copy of my completion certificate?
    A copy of your certificate may be emailed to you and your attorney (if applicable) upon request. Or you may print your certificate from the online course or, give us a call at (866) 859-7323 to have a certificate sent to you.
  • What states is DECAF approved to provide credit counseling or debtor education courses in?
    DECAF is approved to provide credit counseling (before filing) and debtor education (after filing) in all 50 United States and U.S. territories for online and phone courses. (required EOUST disclaimer - Approval does not endorse or assure the quality of a providers services)
  • What are your business hours?
    For your convenience, internet and phone courses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. LIVE Counseling and Customer Support is available Monday through Friday, 8AM until 10PM, Central Time.
  • How long do the courses take to complete?
    Online courses are self-paced and completion times will vary. For online or phone courses, you should set aside approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to allow sufficient time to complete the course.

Payment

  • What methods of payment do you accept?
    Payment can be made online or by phone using a Debit Card, Credit Card, ACH Bank Transfer or Pre-paid Debit Card. Pre-paid Debit Cards may be purchased at many grocery stores or pharmacies. A Money Order or Cashier’s Check may also be mailed with your contact information to: DECAF 112 Goliad Street, Benbrook, TX 76126-2009
  • How do I know if I qualify for a fee waiver?
    Follow the fee waiver instructions on the "Sign up" tab of the website homepage. Please allow 1-2 weekdays to process the request. Call 866-859-7323 for additional assistance. Any discounts from the regular fee or fee waivers must be credited to, and provided for the benefit of the client only.
  • Why was my Credit Card or Debit Card payment not accepted?
    There are a variety of reasons why payment transactions may not go through, here are a few suggestions to try: 1. Make sure the card number is entered accurately WITHOUT spaces or dashes. 2. Verify the card and billing information is entered accurately. 3. Check with the bank that issued the card for available funds. 4. Call 866-859-7323 to have a DECAF representative try the transaction manually.

Why Choose BKcert?

Course 1 and Course 2 are offered through BKcert, a U.S. Trustee approved agency*.
  • Unparalleled expertise
  • Unbiased counseling
  • Unrivaled convenience
  • Couples filing jointly can complete courses together, at no additional charge

What Is DECAF?

Debt Education & Certification Foundation (DECAF) provides credit counseling certificates as required before filing for bankruptcy and Debtor Education courses to be completed after filing.

For Fee Waiver Qualifications, click here.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Information, click here.

Contact Us

1-866-859-7323
DECAF
114 Goliad Street
Benbrook, TX 76126-2009
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