About Us

Date: 10/14/2026 , 12:22 PM

About Us

About Us

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About us

1 in 5 people in Illinois has a debt in collection. Too often, people believe they have no choices when they actually do.

We're here to change that.

Debt Help Illinois is a free resource that helps people in Illinois understand and take control of their debt. We bring legal and financial information together in plain language, so you can see your situation clearly and know your options.

We are not a debt settlement or debt relief company, and we will never ask you for money.

Who's behind Debt Help Illinois

Debt Help Illinois was created by two nonprofits and funded by a third

  • Illinois Legal Aid Online, the trusted source of free legal information in Illinois.
  • Working Credit, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people overcome the obstacles to good credit.
  • Funded by the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, which supports non-profits that provide a legal safety net for low-income people with desperate needs and nowhere else to turn.

Together, Illinois Legal Aid Online and Working Credit bring legal and financial knowledge into one place, so you get the full picture and can choose what’s best for you.

How we help

Answer a few questions about your debt and you’ll get:

  • A clear summary of your situation, in plain language, including what could happen if you do nothing.
  • Your options, with the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what's right for you.
  • Simple steps to take once you choose an option.
  • Articles and tools matched to your specific debt problem.
  • Connections to other places that may be able to help, when help is available.

Available in English and Spanish.

Our approach

We know that dealing with money problems can be hard and confusing. Many people think they have no choices, but that’s not true. They just don’t have the right information yet.

Debt Help Illinois removes shame, builds confidence, and connects people to the resources that may be able to help.

Our values

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Empowerment through knowledge

We believe that every person in Illinois has the right to understand their problem, their options, and the risks of doing nothing.  We are committed to providing easy and accessible information to all.  
 

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Judgment-free support

We meet people where they are with compassion. We focus on providing solutions and the support people need to achieve their goals. 

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Transparency and trust

We are open and honest in what we do.  We have no hidden agenda, and we will never ask you for money or your credit card information. 

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Practical and actionable help

We turn confusion into actionable next steps.  Our tools, content, and resources are designed to help people take real, meaningful action toward resolving their debt challenges.

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Equity and accessibility

We built this platform for everyone, especially those underserved by traditional systems.  We are committed to breaking down barriers, so people can get the help they need.  
 

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It's free
No fees, no credit card, no catch.
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We're nonprofit
Built and maintained by nonprofit legal and financial organizations. We are not a debt-settlement or debt-relief company.
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We protect your privacy
We will never sell your information.
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You stay in control
We give you the information and the options, and you decide what to do.
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Information, not legal advice
We help you understand the law and your choices, but using the site doesn't create an attorney-client relationship.

Take a clear first step

You don’t have to solve everything today. Answer a few questions about your situation, and we'll offer you guidance to help you understand your next steps.

Take the First Step
https://www.debthelpillinois.org/about-us