Request to write off a debt - letter (2024)

FAQs

How to write a letter to write off debt? ›

Unfortunately, my circ*mstances are unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future and I have no assets to sell to help clear my debt. I am therefore asking you to consider writing off my debt as I can see no way of ever repaying it. If you are unable to agree to this, please explain your reasons.

Your debt settlement proposal letter must be formal and clearly state your intentions, as well as what you expect from your creditors. You should also include all the key information your creditor will need to locate your account on their system, which includes: Your full name used on the account. Your full address.

Some people decide to ask the lender for a debt write-off. This is successful in a small number of cases, however there is no legal obligation on the lender to write off any money owed to them. Whether this is the right course of action for you will depend on your personal circ*mstances.

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.

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.

Contact your creditors immediately; don't wait for them to contact you. Even if your payment history is less than perfect, you will still make better arrangements by being forthright. Explain your current situation. Tell them your family income is reduced and you are not able to keep up with your payments.

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.

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.

You can send creditors debt settlement negotiation letters, but creditors won't lower the amount of your debt unless they truly believe: You're unable to pay. You haven't paid in awhile. You may file for bankruptcy, which could cancel your debt, if they don't settle.

The debt will likely fall off of your credit report after seven years. In some states, the statute of limitations could last longer, so make a note of the start date as soon as you can.

How long before a debt is written off? ›

For most debts, the time limit is 6 years since you last wrote to them or made a payment. The time limit is longer for mortgage debts. If your home is repossessed and you still owe money on your mortgage, the time limit is 6 years for the interest on the mortgage and 12 years on the main amount.

Send a 'drop dead' letter

You have the right to ask them to stop contacting you. To do so, you can send what's sometimes referred to as a “drop dead letter” — a written notice to the debt collector informing them you want no further contact. By law, debt collectors are required to follow this request.

Write the collector a goodwill letter explaining your circ*mstances and why you would like the debt removed, such as if you're about to apply for a mortgage. There's no guarantee your request will be accepted, but there's no harm in asking. A record of on-time payments since the debt was paid will help your case.

If your debt is forgiven or discharged for less than the full amount owed, the debt is considered canceled for the forgiven or discharged amount that you no longer need to pay. Cancellation of a debt may occur if the creditor can't collect, or gives up on collecting, the amount you're obligated to pay.

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.

I/We understand that the Bank has introduced “OTS SCHEME” for recovery of outstanding dues, waiving some part of the interest and other charges in the account. I/We request you to consider my case for One Time Settlement and advise me the rebate I shall get if I arrange to pay the balance outstanding in full.

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.