A consumer proposal does not require any payment to start. You do not pay legal fees or trustee fees before filing. Everything is included in your monthly payment, which only begins after the proposal is officially submitted.
One Affordable Monthly Payment
Your monthly payment is based on what you can reasonably afford. The trustee reviews your income, bills, and living expenses and recommends a fair amount. This payment stays the same from start to finish, which makes budgeting easier.
Interest Stops Immediately
Once the proposal is filed, all interest stops. Your debt balance no longer grows, and every dollar you pay goes toward your proposal. This is one of the biggest reasons the cost is lower than other options.
What You Actually Pay
Most people repay only a portion of their debt — often much less than the original amount. For example, someone who owes $40,000 might pay $12,000, broken into small monthly payments over several years. The exact amount varies, but the savings are usually significant.
How Payments Are Calculated
Your payment depends on:
- how much you owe
- your income
- your household budget
- what creditors are likely to accept
It does not depend on your credit score, and you never pay interest.
Trustee Fees Are Included
Licensed Insolvency Trustee fees are regulated by the federal government. You do not pay them separately. They are built into your monthly payment and taken from the amount you already pay into your proposal.
No Penalties for Paying Early
If you choose to pay off your consumer proposal early, you can do so at any time. There are no extra fees or penalties. Many people choose this option to finish sooner and rebuild credit faster.
Why a Proposal Costs Less Than Other Options
Compared to consolidation loans, credit counselling programs, or trying to manage debt alone, a consumer proposal usually results in the lowest total repayment. The combination of frozen interest, reduced balances, and one predictable payment makes it one of the most cost-effective solutions available in Ontario.