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How to Get Debt Relief in Kansas

Sarah Edwards | October 19, 2022

Sarah Edwards
Legal Expert
Sarah Edwards, BS

Sarah Edwards is a professional researcher and writer specializing in legal content. An Emerson College alumna, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the prestigious Boston institution.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

SoloSuit is on its way to rescue you from debt

Summary: If you're struggling with debt in Kansas, SoloSuit can help you find the relief you need.

Residents of Kansas are no strangers to consumer debt. While its cost index of 89 makes it one of the least expensive states to live in, rising inflation, increasing gas prices, and soaring home costs have led Kansas residents to resort to accumulating credit card and consumer debt. In fact,he average Overland Park resident has $11,881 in credit card debt.

Alongside its lower cost of living, Kansas residents also have reduced salaries. While the national mean wage is $58,260, Kansans earn well below that, at an average of only $49,680. Lower salaries mean a reduced ability to cover the basic necessities, such as home rentals, food, and transportation.

Many Kansans are seeking debt relief so that they have more money to pay for regular expenses. Luckily, both the federal and state government have set up rules that guide the debt collection process, and there are debt relief programs available for those looking for a fresh start.

How does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect residents of Kansas?

The FDCPA was established by the federal government in 1977. This act set up a series of guidelines for debt collectors attempting to collect a debt from a consumer. In addition, it protects consumers from acts that can be considered abusive or that constitute harassment. In particular, debt collectors cannot do any of the following when communicating with a debtor:

  • Threaten to take legal action when they don't actually intend to do so
  • Use profanity or obscene language when communicating with a debtor
  • Call a debtor with the intent to annoy them
  • Falsely represent themselves as an officer of the law
  • Tell the debtor they will destroy their reputation if they don't repay the debt

In addition to these abusive tactics, there are many others that are prohibited by the FDCPA. The chances are that if you feel you are being harassed or abused by a debtor, their actions are likely illegal. You can file a complaint against them with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to obtain relief.

What state laws are in place to protect me from debt collection in Kansas?

Kansas, like every other state, has adopted statute of limitations laws. These laws prohibit debt collectors from filing legal action against you in an attempt to collect a debt after a specific period of time has passed. Each type of debt has a specific time limit associated with it.


Kansas Statute of Limitations
on Debt

Debt Type

Deadline in Years

Mortgage

5

Medical

5

Credit Card

3

Auto Loan

4

State Tax

10


Source: Findlaw

If a debt passes the time limit imposed by the state's statute of limitations, it is considered time-barred. This means that the creditor can no longer pursue you in court. However, you will still owe the debt, and the creditor can continue to contact you via phone or email to try to settle the matter. If you confirm that you owe the debt or make any payment towards it, the statute of limitations will reset, and the opportunity to sue you will reopen.

How can I obtain debt relief in Kansas?

There are a variety of options available for those who are seeking a clean slate for consumer debt in Kansas. A few of these include debt consolidation and debt settlement. Both methods have different requirements associated with them.

How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation usually happens by taking out a loan to pay off all of your creditors at once. When they are paid, you'll make a single monthly payment to your debt consolidation lender. This option is best for those with decent credit, as you'll typically need a credit score of at least 650 to qualify.

There are multiple benefits of obtaining a debt consolidation loan. First, you'll likely pay less in interest using this method than if you continued to make regular payments to your original lenders. Debt consolidation loans are often offered at a lower interest rate than other consumer debt.

Another benefit is that you'll be able to pay off your debt in a shorter time span. While minimum payments to multiple creditors may cover mostly interest, a large payment to a single lender can allow for a greater amount applied to the principal balance. Those who choose to obtain a debt consolidation loan likely won't see any negative activity on their credit score and should benefit from an increased credit rating as their debt is paid off.

Who should consider debt settlement?

For those who have a significant amount of debt and no foreseeable way out, debt settlement may be an appropriate option. Debt settlement can be handled on your own or with the assistance of a debt settlement agency. If you choose to try to handle the process by yourself, do your research, and be prepared to spend some time working on it.

Working with a debt settlement agency can provide you with good results and may result in a significant overall debt reduction. Agencies negotiate on your behalf with your creditors to obtain a settlement agreement. During the negotiating period, you make regular payments to the agency that will be used to settle your debts. As each debt is settled one by one, you'll incur a fee for the agency's services. In some cases, this may be a substantial percentage of the original debt owed.

While saving money on your overall debt may be attractive, be prepared for initial negative marks on your credit report. Debt settlement agencies require you to stop making payments to your creditors during the settlement process in an effort to get the creditors to accept lower payments. If you are planning to do anything in the near future that will require you to show a good credit score, debt settlement may not be the best option for you.

Explore these Kansas debt relief programs

If you are a Kansas resident struggling with debt, there are several statewide services that may help you find the relief you need. Check out the following Kansas debt relief programs to see if you qualify:

  • Kansas Successful Families Program: Kansas' version of TANF, this program offers employment services and support services to low-income families, including cash assistance.
  • Kancare (State Children Health Insurance Program): Offers affordable, low-cost health insurance for the uninsured children of Kansas. Some low-income parents may also qualify for health coverage. Applicants are screened for Medicaid eligibility to determine the funding source. You may also be eligible for coverage of existing medical bills.
  • Kansas Food Bank: Runs several programs designed to help low-income families get the nutritional assistance they need.
  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program: Federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
  • Child Care Subsidy Program: Helps pay for child care costs in Kansas.

Are you being sued by a debt collector in Kansas?

If you're being sued by a debt collector in Kansas, it's best to take action right away by filing an answer to their claims in court. SoloSuit offers a free web app that allows consumers to quickly answer a few questions before providing them with a detailed answer they can file in their local court. For those who would prefer an attorney's assistance, a paid option is available.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James

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