If the 1099-C came from a collection agency, I would speak to a tax accountant. Collection agencies have been shady in the way they issue these forms. How can they issue a 1099-C for an amount forgiven if they purchased the debt for pennies on the dollar? Scumbag collectors do this so they can write-off the entire amount of the debt as a loss on their books; even though they're not entitled to do so.
It's worth checking out, as you may not need to claim this "income" in the end.
If the 1099-C came from the original creditor, I would also speak to a tax accountant to confirm your steps.