Financial Resources
Explore a variety of financial resources that may help you navigate through challenging times. From information to programs and counselling there are resources to support you in a variety of areas.
Credit Counselling Society Ottawa (part of Credit Counselling Canada)
1-888-527-8999
Credit Counselling Society - Bankruptcy Help & Debt Consolidation Canada
Offering:
Canadian, non-profit, discuss options, free and confidential counselling with accredited counselors who can provide information and resources on how to move forward. There is also a Debt Management Program available (fee for service).
Only supports with unsecured debt (i.e. no car, government, mortgage debts).
Debt Management Program consolidates their loan, a payment is made to CCS and they will then pay their creditors, working to negotiate interest rates/debts until the debt is paid off. This does show on credit reports, for 2-years from the final payment or 6-years from the start of the program (whatever is first).
Considerations:
Wait time is approximately 4-weeks to speak with a counselor, however, there is a 'standby service' where there are some counselors who can provide support same day though - depending on how busy it is.
Cost:
Counseling = FREE
Debt Management Program = $75 fee + 10% monthly fee on total debt amount, capped at $125/month
Offering:
6-week program, sponsored by Capital One. Goal is to empower you to make immediate, sustainable, long-term changes to get you out of debt for good. Graduates of the program continue to receive ongoing support for 2-years.
Considerations:
Participants need to apply, and be able to attend 6-live virtual classes and 5-virtual small group counseling sessions. There is an approximate 3-hours/week time commitment.
Available to people living in Ontario and Quebec.
Cost: Free.
Offering:
List of resources for "Other Financial Assistance Programs", including: Children's Activities/Sports, Immigration, Community financial resources, etc.
Considerations:
Resources/information only.
Cost: Free.
Credit Canada Debt Solutions - Ottawa (part of CCC)
Ontario Residents Only
1-800-267-2272
Ottawa Credit Counselling and Debt Consolidation
Offerings: Credit Counseling- help clients get a better hold of debt and living life; free financial assessments with accredited counselors and referrals - provide "no-obligation" advice and referrals
Debt Consolidation Program - combines all debt, pays 1 monthly rate with goal of reducing payment/interest; $50 admin fee, 10% monthly fee. Typically have debt paid off within 4 - 6 years.
Only supports with unsecured debt (i.e. no car, government, mortgage debts), however, can provide referrals for resources for other debt.
Also has a trained AI agent, Mariposa, who can answer basic financial literacy questions
Considerations:
Non-Profit organization.
Wait times - on demand, no real wait time.
Age for Clients - need parental consent for people under 18, but can provide education + counselling services.
Offering:
Online course to learn about money management in an accessible way. No registration.
Considerations:
Geared towards people living with low incomes.
Available to people living in Ontario and Quebec.
Cost: Free.
EBO Financial Education Centre
Ontario residents only
613-746-0400
Offering:
Budget Counseling, Financial Education, Income tax services (for taxes need to have income of under $55K/couple +5K per eligible child)
Considerations:
Open to anyone who would like support/information.
Wait time is approximately 1-2 weeks for a counsellor.
Cost:
Free
City of Ottawa - Financial and Social Services
Offering:
Links to various resources including government (Ontario/Canada only).
Considerations:
Resources/information only.
Cost: Free.
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