WARNING: Do not claim "Hardship" for credit card debt.
I had a small credit card debt of $140.
I recently lost my job and wanted to claim "Hardship" with my Coles Mastercard (LATITUDE FINANCIAL SERVICES - crap company; you shouldn't apply for any of their cards, btw) not knowing what it really means.
The lady said "The moment we process a Hardship claim, you immediately lose access to your credit card. And you will probably not get it back, ever - a new Credit Analyst will into your claim for a new card and will decide to give you one - or not."
My intention was to pay $20 a week AND STILL have access to the credit card facility.
IMHO, it's much better to not claim Hardship but merely pay off what you can.
Anything less than $150 they write-off anyway, and won't affect your credit rating.
And you you will still have access to credit, for emergencies!
ITCrowd
Personally, I find that for most people, if you cannot pay of your credit card at a moment's notice, then you're using it wrong. A credit facility is expensive if not tamed. But I agree, don't claim hardship unless you are in genuine hardship because you damage your credit.
Be it $1 or $1000, it shows that you're living above your means.
Of course there are exceptions such as business owners (who risk being highly leveraged for potential future prosperity).