It is not your fault. Life just isn't fair. Don't let it bring down your self-esteem or cause anxiety or guilt. This is just the way it is. The number one cause of bankruptcy now is medical bills. Those are people who have homes and some assets they want to keep but the bills are so gigantic they could never pay them off. So they file bankruptcy to erase the debts.

In our situation, there is no need to file bankruptcy. We are "judgement-proof." That essentially means that even if they took you to court and won a judgement, you have no assets they can touch. (they can't take your car as it is needed to receive medical care.)

The three bills sitting there waiting for payment: Write the following on statement or letter:

"I am totally disabled and my only income is social security. I am single. I do not own a home or any real estate and have no assets of any value. Please do not contact me by phone or mail again unless you start legal proceedings."

and then mail it.

The law requires them to not contact you if you ask them not to. And they are not going to start legal proceedings against you. It would be throwing money down the drain. It costs $120 to file for court case, $50 for the sheriff to serve you with papers (your state may differ a bit in costs). If they proceed, they have to pay their attorney. It would cost more than what you owe and even if they win, they can never collect.

If they do serve you with papers, DO NOT IGNORE the summons. If you do nothing, they win the case by default and that is exactly what most people do (a big mistake). Answer all information requested and talk with the collector's attorney that filed the case. They will stop proceedings when they realize you are destitute.

I had one collector that actually did file a case and I was served with summons by sheriff. The debt was about $1200. I answered the written interrogatories and mailed them. Then their attorney called and she agreed to not pursue court collections. She sent an agreement for me to sign and they stopped the legal proceedings. Never heard about it again. Case closed.