Credit Score

Are you behind now? If so that's been reported already. If there is no way for you to manage your $, go ahead and consolidate. These companies do charge, and they can not repair your credit.
They will work with your lenders to establish a payment plan, it is the lenders choice to report it to the cred agencies, the the consolidation company

If your credit is already bad, it can't hurt. If you don't do it, and you can't pay your bills, that makes your credit bad too. If you have to keep from going under, it may not make it better, but certainly wouldn't be as bad as not paying your bills at all. You should check into the company before you make a decision though. Some are not so reputable.

At FIRST it may affect your credit score...When you've finished though, your scores will improve because your accounts will be paid completely. It is definately a positive way to go.