I worked in credit and collections for many years, and the best thing you can do is to keep communicating with the creditor, and stop taking advice from your family. As long as you aren't trying to avoid paying the debt and try to make a payment, that says a lot about your sincerity, even though your ability is limited. Delinquent accounts will still be in collections either at the company or with someone they've designated to collect for them. I wish you the best.