An answer to the summons is filed with the court and tells the court whether you dispute the debt, or have any affirmative defenses, such as the statute of limitations or accord and satisfaction, that would prevent entry of a judgment.
If you don’t file a timely answer, the court assumes you concur in the plaintiff’s right to all the relief sought in the complaint.
If you have no dispute and no defense, you might contact the attorney who filed the action and see if you can work out a payment schedule consistent with your ability to pay.
Also, consider whether you have the ability to pay this debt, and whether that is the best use of your available funds. If there is a bankruptcy in your future, it makes no sense to pay debts that are dischargeable before you file.
If necessary, see a local lawyer about your overall financial situation.
See also…