How fast can debt relief stop collections after you enroll?

MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money How fast can debt relief stop collections after you enroll? We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Angelica Leicht Angelica Leicht Senior Editor, Managing Your Money Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications. Read Full Bio Angelica Leicht April 21, 2026 / 1:33 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Debt relief can reduce or eventually stop collection activity, but it rarely happens overnight. Pla2na/Getty Images Mounting financial pressure is nothing new for borrowers in today's economic landscape, but the pace at which it is escalating has recently become harder to ignore. Right now, for example, household debt is at its latest record high, and credit card balances remain a major part of the issue. Credit card interest rates are also elevated compared to recent years, so the interest charges are compounding quickly, too. And, when you add in the other economic issues that are looming, like rising inflation and a tough job market, it's clear to see why many borrowers are struggling to keep up with their growing balances. When borrowers are stretched thin, it doesn't take much for accounts to shift from being manageable to a major issue, especially once a few payments have been missed. And, once a debt becomes seriously delinquent and is sent to collections, the consequences can feel relentless. Phone calls, letters and even the threat of legal action can make it feel like time is working against you. And in many cases, it is, especially if accounts continue to age without a resolution. That's why many bo...