DO YOU HAVE DEBT YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY?

ARE YOU RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY, PENSION OR DISABILITY INCOME?

WE CAN HELP!

Who is MST Consulting Group?

MST Consulting Group specializes in assisting senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who are facing debt challenges. This organization is committed to safeguarding and informing seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals across the United States. Clients often seek MST Consulting Group's assistance when overwhelmed by various debts, such as those from credit cards, medical expenses, payday loans, and unaffordable recreational vehicle loans.

Unlike bankruptcy or debt management/settlement options, MST Consulting Group focuses on representing its clients to stop unwanted debt collection communications. Clients working with MST Consulting Group are shielded from the stress of debt collector harassment and can confidently use their Social Security, pensions, VA benefits, and disability income for their personal needs. Discover how MST Consulting Group can guide you towards regaining financial tranquility.

Learn More About The Laws Protecting Income

Social Security Retirement

Section 207 of the Social Security Act, enacted August 10, 1939, protects benefits, with some exceptions, from assignment, levy, or garnishment. Five exceptions to Section 207 include garnishment to enforce a child support or alimony order, garnishment for past due federal taxes, an agreement between the IRS and recipient to withhold a portion of benefits to pay current federal income tax, garnishment to pay a past-due debt to any federal agency and permission for the IRS to garnish up to 15 percent of monthly benefits to satisfy a past-due federal tax debt.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Benefits come in two forms - SSDI and SSI. The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough - and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Social Security Disability Benefits are protected by Section 207 of the Social Security Act, enacted August 10, 1939

Veterans Benefits

Veterans' benefits are protected from creditors with judgments and many other legal processes. This means any lawsuit for consumer debt like credit cards and other debts not owed to the federal government cannot result in a garnishment of your federal benefits. The federal laws protecting Veterans' Benefits from judgments are located at 38 U.S. Code § 5301(a),42 U.S.C. § 659(h)(1)(B)(iii) and 38 U.S.C. §1970(g).

ERISA Protected Pensions

Employer retirement accounts created under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 are generally protected from garnishment or seizure by debt collectors and/or creditors. ERISA covers most retirement plans created by employers, including 401(k) plans, pension plans and some 403(b) plans. Regardless of the amount in an ERISA-qualified retirement account, the funds are protected from creditors.

Cost of Living Hikes Impacting Debt Repayment?

With soaring expenses, those on fixed incomes like Social Security, Veterans Benefits, and most pensions, intended for basic living costs, are finding it tougher to manage debt payments. A significant Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was applied to Social Security in January 2022, increasing benefits by 5.9%, the most substantial rise in 40 years. Yet, by June 2022, the consumer price index had escalated by 9.1%, indicating that these adjustments are insufficient to match the climbing prices.

Take the example of Martha: Her monthly Social Security benefit is $1,225. Her expenses include rent ($450), medication and copays ($117), utilities ($228), and car-related costs ($174). This leaves her with just $256, barely covering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's reported average monthly food cost of $243 for women over 71, as of August 2022. Faced with such a tight budget, many seniors like Martha must choose between debt repayment and essential needs.

Seniors and legally disabled individuals with protected incomes have legal avenues to realign their budgets under these pressures. Understanding how to prioritize essential living expenses over debt is crucial, especially under current economic strains.

Exploring Legal Protections for Social Security and Retirement Benefits

Under federal law, retirement incomes, including Social Security benefits, are shielded from being garnished for consumer debt repayments. This vital information is often not emphasized by creditors, debt collectors, and some financial advisors, including debt settlement firms and bankruptcy lawyers: they cannot legally target such protected incomes for unsecured debt collection. Consider the situation of Sheila Wyatt, a 76-year-old retired teacher, receiving $175 from Social Security and a $1,900 pension from her long tenure at a public school in Houston.

Sheila, a homeowner, has faced her share of hardships lately. After losing her brother, confronting rising costs for her chronic medical condition, and dealing with major home repairs, Sheila found herself increasingly reliant on credit cards to support both herself and her daughter during a financial rough patch. Sheila's diligent efforts to maintain minimum payments on her credit card debts have been futile, as the principal amount remains largely untouched. This has caused her immense stress, fearing the loss of her home and the possibility of unending debt. Upon seeking advice on managing her debts, Sheila discovered our organization. We were able to clarify that her Social Security and pension incomes are legally exempt from being used to settle consumer debts.

This knowledge empowered Sheila to prioritize her essential expenses. By ceasing to make payments on her credit cards, Sheila could reallocate her resources to more critical needs, such as her health care and living expenses. This decision lifted a significant burden off her shoulders, freeing her from the fear of losing her home or drowning in credit card debt.

Using MST Consulting Group for Debt Collector Representation

Even with legally protected income and assets, you may still face debt collector contacts if you don't pay an unsecured debt. However, federal law provides a solution. MST Consulting Group, which is not a law firm, utilizes the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to represent clients in dealing with debt collection communications.

Once someone becomes a client of MST Consulting Group, they provide us with a list of companies contacting them about unpaid debts. MST Consulting Group then sends notices to these companies, conveying three crucial messages:

The client relies on federally protected income, indicating to the company that legal action against the client will not yield garnishable or leviable income. This also shows that the client is aware of their legal rights and won't be pressured into paying a debt they're not obligated to pay.
The client cannot afford to pay the alleged debt and will cease making payments.
All future communications about the debt, including letters or calls, must be directed to MST Consulting Group. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, once debt collectors are informed about a debtor's representation, they must communicate with the representative, not the debtor.

Having MST Consulting Group handle debt collection communication allows clients to enjoy their protected income without the hassle of unwanted debt collection contacts. While managing debt collection communication is a primary focus, MST Consulting Group also understands the broader challenges faced by senior citizens and legally disabled individuals. The National Council on Aging notes that about a third of senior households barely break even each month after debt expenses. Many of these individuals have spent their lives working hard and now find themselves overwhelmed by debt.

Everyday, MST Consulting Group talks to seniors and disabled individuals who have struggled to pay their debts. Informing them about the laws that protect them is a crucial part of our mission. We firmly believe that seniors, disabled persons, and veterans should have the option to prioritize their survival over unsecured debt payments.

Discover the Price of Continuous Protection Against Debt Collector Harassment.

Our Service Fees Range: $99.95 to $399.95 Monthly for 24 to 36 Months

Comparing our service fee to the burden of high-interest debt can be eye-opening. Imagine someone grappling with $14,500 in high-interest debt. The monthly payments for such a debt, especially with high interest rates, can be substantially more than our modest fee of $99.95 per month for 24 months. While our service provides a strategic and less financially straining way to manage and protect against debt collector harassment, high-interest debts can quickly become a relentless financial drain, often consuming much more than our monthly service cost in interest payments alone. For those struggling under the weight of significant debts, our service offers a more manageable and budget-friendly alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES MST CONSULTING GROUP DO?

MST Consulting Group specializes in representing clients for debt collection communications, as outlined by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. We use the provisions of the FDCPA to shield clients from unwanted debt collector contact, requiring collectors to communicate directly with us once we are retained.

WHAT DOES MST CONSULTING GROUP NOT DO?

We don't provide legal advice or court representation, negotiate debt settlements, or handle disputes on credit reports. Our focus is on consumer debt issues and helping clients understand their rights and options.

WHO DOES MST CONSULTING GROUP ASSIST?

MST Consulting Group aids senior citizens, retirees, veterans, and legally disabled individuals. Our clients are those receiving incomes protected by federal and state laws, yet struggling with unaffordable debts. Many find us after years of financial struggle, while others come to us when life changes make it impossible to continue paying their debts. For most, paying these debts means sacrificing essentials like medications, food, or utilities.

HOW MUCH DOES MST CONSULTING GROUP CHARGE?

MST Consulting Group charges $99.95 to $399.95 per month for 24 to 36 months. This covers 4 years of representation. More information about our fees is available on our website.

WILL JOINING MST CONSULTING GROUP AFFECT MY CREDIT?

Non-payment or partial payment of debts will likely impact your credit report, as with any financial entity. We caution against companies that promise to "fix" credit scores. Instead, we recommend educating yourself on how to dispute inaccuracies on your credit report.

HOW DOES MST CONSULTING GROUP HANDLE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS?

We issue cease and desist notices to creditors and debt collectors, informing them of your status as a protected individual and directing all future communications to us.

CAN CREDITORS STILL CONTACT ME AFTER I'VE JOINED MST CONSULTING GROUP?

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot legally contact you once they know you're represented by us. Original creditors may continue sending statements by mail, and some states offer additional protections.

IF I JOIN MST CONSULTING GROUP, DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY BANK ACCOUNT?

If you owe money to your bank and include this debt in your list to us, it's advisable to close any accounts with that bank. If you don't owe money to your current bank, there's no need to change your account.

WHAT IS THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT?

The FDCPA prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by debt collectors. It does not cover original creditors or business debts. Many states have additional laws regulating collector and creditor behavior.

CAN I BE SUED FOR MY DEBT?

Yes, a creditor or debt collector can sue for breach of contract. However, judgments typically only affect unprotected income and assets, and most of our clients are judgment-proof.

WHY WOULD I BE SUED IF I'M JUDGMENT-PROOF?

Lawsuits can be intimidating, and fear is often used as a tactic by debt collectors. It's crucial to understand the legal protections for your income and assets.

DO I HAVE TO APPEAR IN COURT IF SUED?

Appearing in court or responding to a lawsuit is your choice. Owing a debt is a civil matter, not criminal, and you cannot be jailed for choosing not to respond to a lawsuit.

1845 S Dobson Rd, Ste 214
Mesa, AZ 85202

Service@mstdebthelp.com

1-877-542-7562