How Much Personal Information Can a Collection Agency Ask for

**dlms** · 06-03-2012, 05:21 PM

My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Minnesota --After being laid off a couple of years ago, I learned I had cancer. Went thru surgery, chemo and currently recovering. Insurance only paid part. I got behind on medical bills. I am trying to pay them, best I can. Have a small part time job for now.If --I apply for assistant thru the different hospital/ clinics --they want all lot of personal information. Like tax statements from last year, information on my 401, my car information- payments and title, insurances other than health--life, home,car, etc. ,bank statements, all out going bills and all incoming monies. This is not a guarantee that I will get their help-this is just to see if I qualify. Can they really ask me for all that information? Why would they need my 401 and car information? They said it is legal and ok'ed my MN Medical Association. I can not find anything on it. If I don't do this-- they say they will send me to collections. My credits is not great with everything in the last three years. Yet, I am trying. Can they do that if I am making small payments?

jk · 06-03-2012, 05:26 PM

. Can they really ask me for all that information?

absolutely. The are not required to offer this assistance so if they want to put those rules on the application, they can. You can refuse to provide it and they can refuse the assistance. See how simple that is?

Why would they need my 401 and car information?

You really have to ask this? Ok, you claim poverty due to no income but you have a million dollars in your 401 and have a 2012 Rolls in your garage. Do you really think they should give any assistance in that situation?

If I don't do this-- they say they will send me to collections. My credits is not great with everything in the last three years. Yet, I am trying. Can they do that if I am making small payments?

absolutely. Unless there was a contract in place they would take payments when services were provided, payment in full was due at the time of discharge. If you do not pay it in full, they have every right to refer this to collections.