Letter to Creditors Requesting That They Forgive Debt - Sample Template Letter (2024)

[Today’s Date]

[Creditor Name]
[1 Downtown Street]
[City, Province Postal Code]

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

ATTENTION: CREDIT DEPARTMENT
RE: ACCOUNT #123456789 SMITH, JOHN

Dear [Creditor]:

My current income from [CPP, OAS, Disability Pension, Government Assistance, etc.] is not enough for me to be able to make any payments towards my alleged debt at this time. Due to my [medical condition/disability/age], I do not foresee any changes to my financial situation or employment status that would put me in a position to make payments any time in the future.

Please find attached [doctor’s letter(s), counsellor’s letter, case worker’s letter of support, description of condition and explanation how this affects your ability to work, any information you feel supports your statement of inability to pay now and in the future], as well as a copy of my [proof of income] and a monthly expense sheet.

I respectfully request that you forgive my alleged debt, as my condition precludes any employment, and my current and future income does not support any debt repayment.

Please respond to my request in writing to the address below at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your understanding of my situation.

This communication is provided solely for the purposes of notifying you to communicate in writing only and does not constitute an acknowledgement of the alleged debt described above.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[complete mailing address]
[phone number]
[account number]

Letter to Creditors Requesting That They Forgive Debt - Sample Template Letter (2024)

FAQs

How to write a letter of forgiveness to a creditor? ›

I respectfully request that you forgive my alleged debt, as my condition precludes any employment, and my current and future income does not support any debt repayment. Please respond to my request in writing to the address below at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your understanding of my situation.

How to write a debt relief letter? ›

Write a debt settlement letter to your creditor. Explain your current situation and how much you can pay upfront. Also, provide them with a clear description of what you expect in return, such as the removal of missed payments or the account shown as paid in full on your report.

Can I ask a creditor to forgive my debt? ›

While it's highly unlikely that any credit card company will forgive 100% of your debt without it being part of a bankruptcy, you may be able to negotiate a settlement with your lenders in which they forgive a percentage of the balance you owe.

How do I write a letter to creditor to forgive late payments? ›

I truly believe that it doesn't reflect my creditworthiness and commitment to repaying my debts. It would help me immensely if you could give me a second chance and make a goodwill adjustment to remove the late [payment/payments] on [date/dates]. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you'll approve my request.

What is an example of debt forgiveness? ›

For example, if you work in public service or for a nonprofit organization for a certain length of time and make regular payments, the remaining balance might be forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or PSLF. Income-Driven Repayment plans consider your income and family size.

What do you say to creditors to settle debt? ›

Tell the Truth and Keep a Consistent Story

Make a list of the reasons you've fallen behind in payments. Debt often results from hardships such as job loss, divorce, medical bills. Put them down on paper to use as a reference when you're negotiating a debt settlement with a creditor.

What is an example of a letter to creditors? ›

I am requesting that you accept payments of $______________paid on the__________. I assure you that I will add no further debt until my financial situation improves. I will begin making normal payments again as soon as possible. I regret that I have to ask for this consideration and hope that you will understand.

How do I write a motivational letter for payment relief? ›

I have taken a careful look at my financial situation. I have set up a realistic minimum budget for my living expenses and have developed a debt repayment program. I am hoping you will accept a reduced payment of per month. Amounts will be increased as soon as possible until the debt is totally paid.

Do creditors ever forgive debt? ›

Credit card companies rarely forgive your entire debt. But you might be able to settle the debt for less and get a portion forgiven. Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest.

What is an example of a hardship letter to creditors? ›

Because my income has dropped considerably I can no longer afford the terms of the original loan. As a loyal customer of your financial institution, I'd like to ask for the following: ▪ A lower interest rate amount of NO MORE THAN 6% ▪ Accept lower payments of $ _________ per month.

How to write and mail a goodwill letter asking for forgiveness? ›

How to write a goodwill letter
  1. Offer an apology and be as sincere as possible.
  2. Express your gratitude to the creditor for the services they have provided you.
  3. Make sure that you include the reason why you missed the payment.
  4. State your case as eloquently as possible.
Jun 13, 2023

What is a letter of satisfaction of debt? ›

Satisfaction and release is a document stating that a consumer has paid the full amount of debt that was owed to a creditor under a court judgment. A satisfaction and release prevents creditors from attempting to recover more money from the borrower or consumer.

How do you negotiate debt recovery? ›

Negotiation enables debt collectors in US to tailor solutions that align with the debtor's ability to pay. Higher Likelihood of Payment: When debtors are involved in the negotiation process, they are more likely to commit to payment plans or settlements, increasing the likelihood of successful resolution.

What is a hardship letter for debt? ›

A financial hardship occurs when a person cannot make payments toward their debt. A financial hardship letter is the best way to explain why your account is behind schedule. Lenders may use them to determine whether to offer relief through reduced, deferred, or suspended payments.

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