I'm 25 and have around 23k in debt with Navy Federal. Some devastating things have happened in my life; Covid killed my job, head gasket blew and I had to sell my car for $500, and lastly elbow surgery.  I just graduated college and want to kill this hole entirely. Any advice on what to do to remedy my situation would be greatly appreciated; just please don't waste my time and yours with judgement. I'm far from family, have been trying to manage surgery, loss of my job, and everything that comes with pushing through school; I'm trying my best. 

My credit score is now 625. It was well over 700 for years until I missed three payments the same month around 2 years ago. I was going through a really difficult time. 

All three of the payments were pure mistakes; For two of the payments, (a missed CC and car payment) I got a new debit card, and simply forgot to enable autopay on the new card; I COULD'VE paid for them at the time just missed the deadlines on accident so that's two dinks. For the third payment, my roommate owed me their share of rent and I was ignorant to hold it on my credit card until they paid me (They asked if I could wait a bit for the money). I held it on my card for too long and was dinked the third and final late payment with their money on my card. 

Debt started to sneak up on me heavily my last semester of college. When I hit around 10k in debt, I requested a personal loan from NF for 6k thinking they would accept and they did not. I had over a 700 credit score at the time. Since then, I've been trying to work and fend in my situation and it's only gotten worse. I'm at 23k in debt and my score is 625. It seems to be stopping there and isn't going lower. I haven't missed a payment on anything in forever but I have this looming debt and my financial situation isn't improving. I've managed well recently but am scared to miss another payment and max out the card. I'm trying my best to earn while applying for better jobs in my spare time constantly.

What should I do now? I am dedicated to FIXING THIS and would like to avoid bankruptcy. I just have no one in my life that seems to be educated in this realm and am looking for advice. I've been reading up on this and it seems that settling or the Hardship Program within Navy Federal could be some of my best options. Before I try, it'd be helpful to know what differentiates the two and what I should do. Will there be any long-lasting consequence to asking for hardship / a settlement? If they don't allow me to open new lines of credit as I'm paying it off I don't mind. I'm just concerned to "confess" hardship if there are any long lasting negative consequences AFTER paying off the debt. 

They open on Monday so with the advice I receive I'll give them a call and keep everyone updated.

Thank you all!

Any Advice Appreciated (Navy Federal Debt - Hardship, Settlement, or ?)