A debt settlement letter is all you need to negotiate debts with your creditors. It asks you to pay a certain settlement amount to the collection agency.This article provides a template for a debt settlement proposal letter and explains what a debt settlement letter should contain. Below, we've created an example of a debt settlement proposal letter that you can use as a guide. Your letter can be sent via your preferred contact method. Make it clear to the creditor that you intend to pay the debt. •. Explain that you are unable to pay the debt due to (detail your hardship). The idea here is that you agree to settle the debt or pay it off in full in exchange for the creditor deleting the collection item from your credit report. Download a free pdf version of sample letters to dispute with credit bureaus and negotiate a payment plan with creditors. Checking, credit cards, merchant processing and more.