Writing A Hardship Letter Debt Settlement

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Although the economic crisis is now officially behind us, many people continue to experience significant economic pressure. If you are facing a lot of debt, you may feel like bankruptcy is the only way out. However, before you file for this, you may want to consider writing a hardship letter debt settlement instead. Typically, this letter is sent for real estate debt, but it can actually be used for any kind of debt.

Avoid a Debt Management Agency If Possible

Experiencing serious financial difficulty is highly distressing and you may be feeling overwhelmed. It may be tempting, therefore, to contact a debt management agency to do the work for you. While these companies have their place in society, you should always consider doing the work yourself first. This is because these companies do not work for free, and all they really do is write on your behalf, collect your money, and distribute it among your creditors. These are things that you can do yourself with ease, so long as you write your letters properly.

Prepare the Relevant Documents

Your first step should be to get all your paperwork in order. Documents you will need include your loan documents, your pay stubs, and any other financial information that clearly demonstrates the difficulties you are in at present. If you do not have a job, you should provide evidence of any Social Security benefits you receive. Should you have been forced to reduce your contracted hours, you should have evidence of this. Do also make sure that you have evidence of all the payments that you did make, for instance, through your bank statements. This will set you in better standing with the creditor.

Write a Formal Letter

In terms of writing the letter itself, you must remember that it is a formal document. Hence, it should be properly addressed to the right person in the right department. You should include your account number in a visible way in the subject line. Additionally, your text should be clear and concise, highlighting precisely what your situation is and what you are proposing. Try to avoid becoming emotional in this, as the creditor is only interested in facts. Do also ask someone to proofread your letter, or reread it yourself the next day to ensure that it is free from grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Indicate Your Settlement Offer

Last but not least, the letter should include your settlement offer. If you want to settle your debt, you have to propose a figure that you feel is appropriate. In most cases, creditors prefer to make some sort of loan modification or adjustment, rather than agreeing to a settlement. However, there is nothing to stop you from trying, and the creditor is always welcome to make a counter offer. Do remember that you should be able to comply with the settlement that you offer should your creditor accept it. If you make promises that you can’t keep, you may find yourself in far greater financial difficulty later on. Be honest, be clear, and show that you are willing to come to a mutual understanding.

For more sample hardship letters and tips, click here.

Hardship Letter Debt Settlement Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to request that a payment plan be worked out concerning my debt to {Company}. Due to financial hardship, I cannot meet the current conditions that are required, but I hope that we can come to an agreement.

My current income is {amount} per month, while my debt is {amount}. The income-to-debt ratio is {amount}, which is impossible for me to pay off at this time. If you can forgive {amount}, I can make a monthly payment of {amount} over the next {period of time}.

I am willing to make a sincere effort to settle this account. I ask only that the litigations against me are dropped and that the account is stated as paid in full. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Prevent Eviction

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When times are desperate, you have to do things that you may not have wanted to do, including groveling. This is particularly true for certain things such as your rent. The reality is that some people live from paycheck to paycheck, and the slightest financial upheaval can make everything come tumbling down. There are options out there, such as payday loans, but they are not recommended for obvious reasons. It is better, at least in the first instance, to write to your landlord and ask for some consideration, something that he or she is likely to accept if you have been a good tenant.

Tips for Writing a Hardship Letter to Prevent Eviction

Unlike many other hardship letters, this particular one does not have to be as formal as others, particularly if you have been on friendly terms with your landlord. You do, however, have to make sure that the letter is open and honest. You must explain that you are currently experiencing financial hardship and why.

Although the letter doesn’t have to be overly formal, it does have to be formatted properly. Hence, it should be addressed to the right person and it should be dated as well. A good tip is to address your landlord personally in the letter, as this makes you look more human. You need to think about this situation from a psychological perspective. If you express your gratitude for the kindness and consideration of your landlord, he or she is more likely to show those very traits. However, you also shouldn’t lay it on too thick. Again, it is about being honest and open.

Content of the Hardship Letter

The letter does also have to be factual. Explain exactly what has happened that got you into your current situation of hardship. Examples include unexpected huge medical bills, loss of job, separation, death in the family, and so on. Make sure that you include documented evidence of a change in your income and expenses if applicable. Do also show that you have been proactive in trying to reduce your costs. This will show the landlord that you have tried everything and are truly in a desperate situation.

If you have always paid your rent on time and otherwise been a good tenant, make sure that you mention this in the letter as well. It doesn’t hurt to remind the landlord of the fact that, should you be evicted, it may be difficult to find a good tenant like yourself again. At the same time, you should not put this in a threatening way. At the end of the day, the landlord will be doing you a favor, not the other way around.

Last but not least, make sure the letter proposes a resolution. Explain how long you expect to be in financial difficulty, how much you can pay during that period, and how you intend to make up for the shortfall once your situation has improved. Do not make promises that you will not be able to keep. It is better to offer $5 a month and pay it, than to offer $50 and then realize later that you are unable to pay it.

Writing a Hardship Letter Single Parent

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The finances of a single parent are incredibly complex. Many struggle financially, particularly if the other parent of the children had suddenly left, or had suddenly stopped providing child support payments. If this happens to you, and you have financial obligations, you may want to write a hardship letter single parent.

Describe Your Goal in Writing the Hardship Letter

Your letter should start by explaining what you are hoping to achieve. For instance, you may request debt forgiveness, delay payments, restructure a payment plan, avoid foreclosure, or consolidate your loan. You also have to make sure that you provide clarity on which financial obligation you are experiencing difficulty in paying, such as medical bills, credit cards, car loans, personal loan, or mortgage.

Highlight the Fact that You Are a Single Parent

You should then highlight that you are a single parent and provide details of your children. Make sure that you include their names and dates of birth, so that it is clear how many children you are caring for as well. You should then explain that the children’s other parent is no longer reachable and that you are not receiving child support payments. Stress whether or not such payments have been received before. Make it clear that your income (specify your income) is not sufficient to provide your children with the necessary home, food, and shelter.

Explain Why You Did Not Experience Difficulties Before

Go on to explain why you did not have difficulties in the past. Perhaps you had a high enough salary, but now have been forced to accept a reduction in hours. Perhaps the other parent sent child support payments in the past. Perhaps one of your children has had a change of circumstances. For instance, a particular child may require special care, is moving to college, or has been diagnosed with a disability or illness. Explain that these circumstances have placed you in some difficulty and that, since your children come first, you want to do whatever you can to make sure they get what they need.

Ask the Creditor for Assistance

Last but not least, ask your creditor for assistance and to understand the difficult situation you have found yourself in. Make sure that you attach any documented proof of the problems you are facing, such as letters from school, income stubs, bank statements, mortgage statements, and doctors’ letters. Detail your circumstances as much as possible and, if you want your mortgage to be deferred, highlight that you do want to remain in your property. Don’t forget to include a plan of action to be able to repay the debt that you now owe. Lastly, make it clear what you are actually asking for – stopping payments altogether, having lower monthly payments, freezing the interest rates, and so on.

Creditors understand that negative situations do happen. If you can demonstrate that you have done all you can to ameliorate the situation, that there have been circumstances beyond your control, and that you are not spending on frivolities like vacations and other non-essential bills, then it is likely that your creditor will consider your request.

Hardship Letter Single Parent Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to try to {consolidate my loan, avoid foreclosure, restructure a payment plan, delay payment, request debt forgiveness} for {my mortgage, my personal loan, car loan, credit card bill, medical bill etc.}.
I am a single parent to {number} children: {Name}, aged {age} and {Name}, aged {age}. Their {father/mother} is not in the picture and stopped paying the court-mandated child support on {date}. Therefore, I have been providing a home, food and shelter for them on one income of {amount} per year.

In the past, my salary has been enough to adequately provide for my children. However, as of {date}, {new circumstance such as child going to college, child being diagnosed with illness/disability, child requiring special care}. This has put me in a difficult situation, as my children come first in my life and I would do anything to make sure they’re cared for.

I would like to ask your assistance in this difficult situation. I have attached {doctor’s note/bank statement/income stub/letter from school} detailing my circumstances. {If this is for a mortgage, specify whether you’d like to stay in your home, or whether the home is up for sale already. For any other loan, come up with some sort of plan for repayment, such as lower payments each month, a lower interest rate, etc., and suggest it here.}
I am hoping that we can work out some sort of solution as quickly as possible. Please contact me immediately so that we can begin this process.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Auto Loan Modification

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It is important that you write a request for auto loan modification properly. It has to be short and to the point, containing only the right information. If you want your loan to be modified as a result of hardship, you must make this very clear.

These types of letters are very formal, and they are a way of asking for help from creditors. You hope that, by understanding your situation, they will be willing to make a short term change to your terms and conditions that are easier for you to comply with.

Basic Rules for Writing a Hardship Letter Auto Loan Modification

You must clearly explain your hardship and provide sufficient evidence for it as well. Remember that the creditor is interested in facts. Hence, avoid becoming emotional about your situation. Indications of hardship could be things like:

  1. An unexpected reduction in income
  2. A death in the family
  3. Medical bills and/or disability/illness
  4. Losing your job

You should also state what efforts you have made to keep up with your payments. For instance, you may have canceled memberships to the gym and Netflix, and you may have taken on a part time job.

You must make sure that the letter is addressed to the right person. Hence, contact your lender first and ask to whom it should be written to. It is also possible that the auto loan company has a standard form that you must fill in to accompany a hardship letter.

What to Do

Some tips for writing a hardship letter of this kind:

  1. Keep the letter on one page.
  2. State all facts succinctly, objectively, and clearly.
  3. State that you want to come to a resolution.
  4. Attach all documented evidence to prove your current situation.
  5. Thank your creditor for their time and consideration.

What Not to Do

Some of the things you should not do in auto loan modification hardship letter:

  1. Overdramatizing or exaggerating the hardship situation you are in.
  2. Making false claims.
  3. Promising things that you will not be able to deliver on.
  4. Placing the blame on the creditor rather than on yourself or the situation being beyond your control.
  5. Being threatening, such as stating you will file for bankruptcy if you don’t get help (although you can mention that you may be forced into bankruptcy).

The most important thing is that you take responsibility for your own actions. Hardship is mostly caused by external events beyond your control. However, this doesn’t mean that you should play the blame game. Rather, you should demonstrate that you have been proactive in changing the situation and that there is simply nothing else that you can do. State as well that you will be willing to make alternative payments, if that is possible. Finally, you must make it very clear what type of modification you are looking for. This could be a freezing of payment, no longer having to pay interest, a break in payments, lengthening your agreement, and so on.

Hardship Letter Auto Loan Modification Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone Number}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to try to request a modification to my car loan, since I am unable to meet my current payments. Specifically, I would like to {lower the interest rate/remove delinquency fees/forgive delinquent payments}.

My auto loan has proven unmanageable and as of {date} it is especially problematic because {the car has lost value/the loan value is upside down/I’ve experienced sudden, unexpected financial difficulty}.

As of {date}, I {owed more for the loan than the car was worth/I was involved in an accident that wasn’t my fault/I lost my job, etc.}. I would like to avoid repossession, but I can think of no way out of this situation without a loan modification.

I am hoping that we can work out some sort of solution as quickly as possible. Please contact me immediately so that we can begin this process.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Credit Card Company

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Almost every adult in this country has credit card debt. Some only have a few hundred dollars of debt, while others have thousands of dollars of debt. Either way, there may come a time when it becomes extremely difficult to pay even the minimum amount that is due. The economy continues to be unstable and this means that it is possible that you may need some sort of debt relief, such as a lower monthly payment for a short period of time. This is something that credit card companies are very familiar with.

Why Credit Companies May Agree to Help

In most cases, credit card companies usually agree to work with people in difficulty because the alternative for the debtor is to request bankruptcy, which means the credit card company gets nothing. Hence, it is better to write a hardship letter, in which you tell the creditor about your financial situation. This will also stop them from harassing you, and it will give you a chance to protect your credit rating. It is not, however, a way to get out of your debt.

If you can prove hardship, the credit card company will usually help, for instance, by lowering interest rates and suspending any late payment fees. They will, however, also want you to stop using your credit card. Additionally, they want to see you make every effort you can to repay your debt. Hence, do make sure that you tell them how much you are willing to pay each month, and when you expect your hardship to be over.

Steps in Writing a Hardship Letter to Credit Card Company

  1. Make sure that you write your letter formally. Place the name of the company at the top of the page and date it as well. Place a reason line below this, and make sure your credit card account number is included as well.
  2. Write your first paragraph, in which you explain that you are asking for help and you tell them why you are in hardship. For instance, you may have been made redundant, or you may have had an unexpected huge medical bill. Be honest and open, but keep it short and to the point.
  3. Explain how you aim to rectify the situation. Tell them how much you are able to pay instead of your regular bills. Do not put more in that figure than you can afford. If you can only afford a dollar a week, then tell them and don’t say you can afford $10 a month even if you can’t. At the same time, don’t offer them less than you can afford either. They are likely to want to see a financial statement from you, so they will know if you can pay more than you are offering.
  4. Tell them when you expect your hardship to be over and what you aim to do about your outstanding debt at that point.
  5. Thank them for their consideration and ask them to contact you as soon as possible with their decision.

While there is no guarantee that your credit card company will agree to your request, most will accept it because it means that they will be able get what is owed eventually.

For more sample hardship letters, click here.

Hardship Letter To Credit Card Company Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone Number}

{Date}

RE: request for {consolidation/restructure} of loan for {VISA, Mastercard, etc.}, account {account number}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request the {consolidation/restructure} of my credit card repayment, due to financial hardship.

The current balance on my credit card is {amount in dollars}, and I have been paying {amount in dollars} every month for {length of time}. This had been an adequate system, until recently, when I fell on hard times.

Due to {death in the family, divorce, medical problems, etc.}, which began {date}, I have been unable to keep up with the payments. I have attached {list of financial documents attached}, which should illustrate exactly why I am in need of your help. I am accruing more and more in the way of late fees and finance charges, which means my balance just continues to increase, and there is nothing I can do about it.

I am requesting {consolidation or that the company accept a certain amount that is less than the total due}. I am extending the same offer to other creditors, so that I can avoid filing for bankruptcy.

Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can get the ball rolling on this situation.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing a Hardship Letter to IRS

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may, at times, look at a taxpayer’s debt ratio. If they deem it necessary, they may delay account collection for that particular person. This is a “currently not collectible” type of action, and one that you can request by writing a hardship letter to them. The debt will never be forgiven or erased, but they will agree that you are not currently capable of paying what is owed. To prove this, you will have to write a hardship letter and provide evidence of your inability to make payments. However, remember that interest and fees will continue to be charged on what you owe.

Checklist for Writing a Hardship Letter to the IRS

Below is a checklist of the things that you should and should not do in terms of writing a hardship letter:

  1. Fully highlight your personal circumstances. The IRS wants to have a full understanding of why you are in hardship. Perhaps you are a self-employed individual and your business has failed, which in turn means you cannot pay your taxes. Perhaps you have a partner who has experienced a serious medical problem, such as an accident, which substantially reduced your earnings. This type of information should all be given to the IRS with as much detail as possible. Do not exaggerate, however. You should simply provide the facts.
  2. Make sure you include all relevant documentation. These include three months’ wage statements, three months’ bill statements, doctors’ letters, three months’ bank statements, a landlord or mortgage company letter, your last tax return, and any other financial documentation.
  3. Indicate identifying information. These include your IRS location, the agent’s name, the year for which you are applying for hardship, your contact information, your Social Security number, your legal name, and so on.
  4. Always include Form 433 and any other form that applies to the situation you are in. Three forms are included as part of Form 433: (a) Form F, which is for individual tax payers; (b) Form A, which is for self-employed individuals; and (c) Form B, which is for businesses.
  5. Always be polite. The IRS is a massive organization, but cases are handled by individual collectors. They do not like rude language or aggressive demands. Remember that you are asking them for a favor.
  6. Never be vague. Do not say, for instance, that you have “some unexpected financial difficulties that will likely end soon”. Rather, highlight what the financial difficulties are, how they have impacted you, and exactly when you expect them to be over.
  7. Try not to get emotional. What matters to the IRS are the numbers, dates, and other facts. They don’t want to know how you feel.

If you do find that you are in financial difficulties that are making it impossible for you to pay your tax due, then you should consider seeking some professional advice. Taxes are very complex, and the IRS is quite an intimidating agency. Hence, if you aren’t 100% sure about what you are doing, ask a professional who is experienced in these matters to help you.

Hardship Letter to IRS Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Address Continued}
{Your Phone Number}

{Internal Revenue Service}
ATTN: {appropriate department}
{Address}
{Address Continued}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to attempt to stop a bank levy that the IRS is ready to impose on my account(s).

I have experienced a great deal of financial hardship lately, due to {details of the hardship that have made it impossible for you to pay the taxes due to the IRS}.

If the IRS continues with this plan to freeze my account(s), I will not be able to meet the basic standards of living. I have attached my most recent pay stubs {along with other relevant information} to illustrate the fact that I simply do not make enough money to be able to afford to have my account(s) frozen.

I am requesting {a payment plan, a settlement negotiation} in lieu of the levy. Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can work on getting this resolved.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Wage Garnishment

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There are numerous avenues available to creditors to collect unpaid debt. One of those options if for them to apply for wage garnishment. This means that a percentage of your earnings is taken straight out of your salary and paid to the creditor. This percentage can be quite high, and it can cause significant hardship as well. If this is the case with you, then you may want to consider writing a hardship letter.

Basic Tips for Writing a Hardship Letter Wage Garnishment

This type of letter must be formal, which means it should be typed out, addressed to the right person, in the correct format, and free from spelling and grammatical errors. It should also, in the subject line, include an account number of the debt that is owed, if you have it.

State Your Request

Start your letter by explaining what you are requesting. This would be a cessation of the actions that are currently being taken in order to recover your debt. State that you are in the process of developing a payment plan, which you should attach to the letter. Explin that, while you understand that wage garnishment is an option for the creditor, it would be extremely detrimental not just to you, but also to members of your family.

Provide Details of Your Income and Expenditures

Before you write the letter, you should have prepared a statement of your income and all your expenditures. It should state how much of your income goes to necessary bills, and how much you have left. This statement should be included in your letter. You should also make it clear that you financially support other members of your family, and that the vast majority of your income goes to certain bills, leaving you with a certain amount each month for nonessential expenses. Thus, if a wage garnishment is applied, you would be left with virtually nothing towards the nonessential expenses, and that this could lead to you being declared bankrupt. Do not be afraid to state that bankruptcy would mean that your creditor will not receive any money at all. However, make sure that you don’t state this in a threatening way. After all, it is not their fault that you are in financial difficulties, and you are asking them to do you a favor.

Indicate Your Suggested Debt Repayment Plan

State in your letter that you are aware of the fact that you are not able to keep up with debt payments on your current income but you are doing something to increase it. Make a suggestion for a debt repayment plan and when you expect this to start. Indicate that you are looking forward to hearing back from them as soon as possible.

Make sure you include copies of every relevant document with your letter. Do also keep copies for yourself, and send the letter via registered mail. If you have not heard back from them within one week of your letter being received, make sure to follow up. It is your responsibility to take action if you want to avoid wage garnishment, after all.

Hardship Letter Wage Garnishment Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this hardship letter to request a cessation to the actions being pursued by your company in regards to my debt. I am working to create a payment plan that we could agree on, but wage garnishment is extremely detrimental to my current family and financial situation.

I am including a worksheet of my income and how it is distributed to necessary bills. As you can see, I am the sole supporter of a {number} person family. Most of my paycheck goes toward {mortgage, rent, hospital bills, be specific}. This leaves me with {amount} leftover every month for nonessential expenses. If my wages are garnished then this will only further my difficulties and may lead to bankruptcy. If that were the case, I cannot imagine that I will ever be able to repay the charges.

I understand that the current disposable income amount that I have is not enough to keep up with my debt. Therefore I have also included a worksheet detailing a possible debt payment plan that might work for both of us. Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can work something out.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Tax Deferral

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If you are under financial hardship and you are unable to pay for your taxes, one way to get some relief is by writing a hardship letter to the IRS for a tax deferral. Of course, this letter will only be considered if what you have written is genuine and if you can prove it. One of the deferrals you may be eligible for is a one year property tax deferral. That does not mean that you won’t have to pay the tax at all, but rather that you can have a break for one year, paying the missed taxes at a later stage.

Basic Rules for Writing the Hardship Letter

Make sure that your letter is clear, concise, and short. Do not exaggerate your situation, but rather state the facts. Address the letter to your county assessor, which you can obtain through their office over the telephone. Make sure the letter is written formally and that it is free from grammatical and spelling mistakes. Also include photocopies (not originals) of every piece of evidence you want to provide.

Possible Reasons for a Tax Deferral

Each state has its own criteria for accepting or denying such a deferral. However, most will accept failed business, separation or divorce, death in the family, illness or disability, unemployment, and/or activated military personnel, as good reasons. However, it is advisable to check your state’s specific rules and regulations. It is likely that there are specific programs that your state has available, and you need to apply to the one that is most appropriate to your needs.

Possible Programs Applicable for a Hardship Letter for Tax Deferral

The letter you will write will vary depending on the program that is applicable to you. Some of the options are:

  1. Programs for those who have had a mortgage on their current property for at least five years
  2. Programs for nonprofits, who may receive federal but not state tax exemption and who now operate a business that is exempted under state legislature
  3. Programs for veteran widows and widowers with low incomes
  4. Programs for people over the age of 60
  5. Programs for individuals who are retired due to a disability
  6. Programs for those whose home has been damaged by natural disaster
  7. Programs for long term occupants
  8. Programs for returning veterans

Whichever program you apply for, you will need to include documented evidence of your situation. This will usually include your federal income tax statement, your paychecks, copies of any outstanding debt, and your general monthly bills.

What to Do If Deferral Is Approved

If the IRS grants you the deferral, you must start to prepare yourself for next year. This is because, at that point, you will not only have to pay your regular taxes, but also the taxes from the year that you have missed. Should you find yourself in difficulty for several years in a row, then it is likely that you will be asked to enter into an escrow arrangement, which can be done through your mortgage provider. This means that you pay slightly more every month to your lender, who will then make the property tax payments. This means that you don’t have to pay a huge sum in one payment.

Hardship Letter Tax Deferral Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to explain why I am unable to pay my property taxes this year. I have recently fallen upon difficult times financially and would like to request a deferral.

In the last few month my financial situation has become dire due to {the loss of my job, an illness, a death in the family, be specific}. I am no longer to pay for {medical bills, mortgage, etc.} and I am concerned that I will have to {foreclose, file for bankruptcy, etc.}

I am not attempting to avoid paying my necessary debt to society, and I understand that I will owe these taxes next year. I would just like to explain that I am in an unusually difficult position this year and require the deferral in order to get back on my feet.

I am attaching my federal income tax return from last year, as well as my credit card bill from the last two months. I hope they make my position clear.

I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon concerning this matter.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Fee Waiver

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A hardship letter fee waiver is a formal written request in which you are requesting an entity to which you owe money to forego of a fee, penalty, or other form of restriction that has been imposed on you. There are different types of fees, some of which are included as standard but many of which are charged as a type of penalty. For instance, if you let a check bounce or if you miss a payment on your credit card, you may be charged a late payment fee. Unfortunately, these fees often make the financial difficulties you are experiencing even worse, which is why you may want to write a hardship letter.

Before looking at what should be included in the letter, it is important that you understand that there are no guarantees. Fees are charged as part of the terms and conditions that you signed up to when you agreed to a certain service. Hence, although some entities may be understanding of your situation, they are under no obligation to grant your request.

What the Hardship Letter Fee Waiver Must Contain

A hardship letter fee waiver is a formal letter and should be treated as such. This means that it has to be addressed to the right person in the right format. This includes a proper address, and an explanation of what is happening. A good letter is one that fits on a single page, and it can be difficult to convey all the information that you want to pass on in such a small space. However, this demonstrates the importance of focusing on facts.

What the Hardship Letter Must Indicate

What your letter should indicate is why you were charged a fee and why you are requesting that they waive it. You should explain that you are in financial hardship due to specific events and provide evidence of this hardship to the entity to which you are writing. Anything you claim should be supported by evidence, of which you should attach copies. These should include things, such as termination of employment, an unexpected reduction in hours, medical bills, the death of a loved one, etc.

You should also explain why you ended up in the situation in which the entity had to charge a fee. Do not, however, blame them for this. Again, the fee is part of the terms and conditions that you have agreed to. However, you can state that the fee would be impossible for you to pay right now as you are already experiencing hardship.

The letter should also include your solution. For instance, if you have been charged a late payment fee for your cellphone bill, make sure that you have paid the bill to which the fee was attached before you ask them to waive the fee. Creditors can be understanding so long as the hardship is genuine and properly explained. This means that you have to be straight to the point and present them with facts. They are not interested in hearing how those facts have made you feel.

Hardship Letter Fee Waiver Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this hardship letter to request that my application fee be waived in light of my financial circumstances.

My family and I are hard workers, but this expense would be an undue hardship upon our situation. My parents’ total income is {amount} per year, but in addition to that they are supporting {number} dependents and paying {amount} for schooling between {number} of their children. Furthermore, recently {illness, natural disaster, family death} has cost them {rough amount} in {hospital bills, fees, etc.} I hope it is clear to you that, while I am both ambitious and determined concerning my education, I cannot hope to be considered without this waiver. It would mean a lot with regards to my future.

I am attaching my parents’ income reports and expense worksheets as well as their returns from the past year. I am also attaching my transcript, as proof of my hard work and enthusiasm in apply to this {institution}.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Driver License

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Having a driver license is essential for most people. It allows them to travel to and from work, take their children to school and after-school activities, make hospital appointments, care for elderly relatives, volunteer in the community, and more. However, there are situations in which you may not be able to have a driver license although this could cause you undue hardship. If that is the case, writing a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to explain your situation may allow them to reconsider not granting you a license.

Writing a Hardship Letter Driver License for Young Drivers

One situation in which you may not be able to have a driver license is if you are under 16 years old. While there is no way that you will be granted a license under the age of 14, those who are between 14 and 16 years old may be considered if they can demonstrate hardship. For instance, if you live remotely and you must look after your parents who are disabled, taking a school bus may be too time consuming. It would mean spending several hours per day traveling, hours that are needed to look after your parents. Without your help, they may start to experience undue hardship, not just financially but medically as well.

Writing a Hardship Letter Driver License After Conviction

The other situation in which you may want to write this type of hardship letter, is if your license has been taken away from you. Perhaps you have been convicted of a DUI or overspeeding. If losing your license would mean that you are no longer able to work, which would affect other members of your family, or if it means you can no longer properly look after your loved ones, causing them undue hardship, the DMV may consider the possibility of giving you a license.

Content of the Hardship Letter

In both situations, you must provide significant evidence to demonstrate the hardship caused by not having a license. You must also state that you will be willing to accept any conditions posed on your license. For instance, you may be required to have a vehicle that is fitted with a tracker, and agree to only drive at certain times, on certain routes, and never above a certain speed. If you are willing to meet those conditions, there is a chance that you will be allowed to have, or to retain, a driver license.

Some Advice in Writing the Hardship Letter

When writing a hardship letter, it is incredibly important to stick to facts. While you are in an emotional situation, and one that affects how you feel, the recipient of the letter is not interested in this. They want to know why you can’t have a license and how this affects you, and they want to see documents that prove this. Hence, make sure to keep your letter short and to the point and to attach any documented evidence. Try to make is just one page long, and make sure it is properly addressed and free from any grammatical or spelling errors. Do also send it via registered mail and keep a copy for yourself.

Hardship Letter Driver License Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to apply for a Hardship License. I am {age 14-16} years old and need to drive for job purposes to help support my family.

I am a {grade} in high school and need to get from school to my job every afternoon. My parents work all day and I cannot catch a bus or walk to my place of employment because it is {number} miles from my school. My family situation is {specific dire financial circumstances} and my contribution to our finances is essential.

I understand that this license would be conditional. I would only use the vehicle with the license plate {number} on weekdays to get from {address} to {address} and {address} to {address}. The vehicle would only be in use between {time} and {time}.

I am attaching my application form as well as several character references that elaborate on my circumstances and attest to my responsibility and maturity.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}