It's possible to get your debt written off, but it depends on the type of debt you have. It's not easy to do either. For example, if you stop making your credit card payments, debt collectors will eventually contact you. There is a statute of limitations-anywhere from 3-10 years-where you will no longer be obligated to pay the credit card debt. You can declare bankruptcy, but this doesn't necessarily eliminate all your debt payments either. If you are allowed to keep your house or car and owe money on them, you will have to pay those loans. A debt settlement plan can reduce the amount you owe by 20-50%. You will need to pay off the difference. All these options may give you a very poor credit rating which can take years to repair. It's best to figure out a plan and make your payments if possible.