Issue Brief Archives

Pervasiveness of Consumer Debt Collection

March 27, 2019

In 2017, the Urban Institute found that 71 million Americans had a debt in collection on theircredit report. Debt in collections can wreak havoc on consumers, subjecting them to harassingdebt collection calls and potential lawsuits.

Almost Two in Three Navient Borrowers Making Payments During COVID-19 Federal Student Loan Payment Pause Are Underwater

August 1, 2021

Analysis of data reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of borrowers in IDR who made at least one payment during the COVID-19 payment pause were underwater, meaning that they have not repaid even $1 of their original balance.

COVID-19 Medical Debt: First 100 Day Priorities for the Biden Administration

December 1, 2020

Brief outlining NCLC's medical debt priorities for the first 100 days of the Biden Administration

Congress Must Act: Millions of Families Are At Risk of Losing Utility Service During the COVID-19 Crisis

February 25, 2021

Congress must act promptly to avoid putting the health and safety of millions of households atgrave risk and stop utility service terminations.

CFPB Debt Collection Rule Must Protect Consumers, Not Abusive Collectors

May 1, 2019

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a rule governing third-party debt collectors. The proposal adds some consumer protections but also weakens the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by undermining its goals of stopping harassment, protecting consumer privacy, and preventing collection against the wrong person or in the wrong amount.

Building a California Seawall Against the Tsunami of Debt Collection Caused by COVID-19: Mortgage Relief

November 17, 2020

Brief examines key concepts surrounding real alternatives to foreclosures.

Asking the Wrong Question: A Critique of the Debt Settlement Industry's Data Analysis

October 1, 2020

Every few years, since 2012, the debt settlement industry has released a report asserting its worth to consumers. The reports are commissioned by the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC), a trade association representing the debt settlement industry.

Borrowing from Our Future: The Case for Cancelling Student Debt

August 10, 2020

Part of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center’s Coronavirus Explainer series featuring contributions from NCLC and allied organizations.

Assisting MA Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence Survivors Who Are Having Problems Establishing a New Account or Paying Utility Bills

May 28, 2019

While Massachusetts does not have any laws or policies specifically designed to help address problems with utility bills if the consumer was a crime victim or domestic violence survivor, there are some tools that can prove very helpful for advocates to assist clients.

Assisting Consumers with Rental Debt During COVID-19: Legal Aid and Non-Profit Attorneys Share Their Experiences

December 14, 2021

NCLC survey of Legal Aid and non-profit attorneys reveals credit reporting and debt collection consequences of alleged rental debt.

2021 Student Loan Federal Priorities

December 1, 2020

Brief outlining NCLC's 2021 student debt priorities for the Biden Administration

2021 Foreclosure Prevention and Mortgage Lending Priorities: HUD, FHFA, USDA

November 1, 2020

Brief outlining NCLC's 2021 Foreclosure Prevention and Mortgage Lending Priorities for HUD, FHFA, and the USDA

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