How Does Debt Review Work?
Debt review is a legal process under the National Credit Act that turns unaffordable debt into one monthly payment you can manage. Here is exactly what happens, step by step, from the free assessment to your clearance certificate.
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Quick answer: A registered debt counsellor assesses your income and expenses, declares you over-indebted if your debt is unaffordable, notifies your credit providers and the credit bureaus, negotiates lower instalments and interest, and has the new plan made a court order. You then pay one amount a month through a payment distribution agency until your debts (except your home loan) are paid and you receive a clearance certificate. Most plans take 3 to 5 years.
Who debt review is for
Debt review is for people who earn an income but can no longer keep up with all their monthly credit repayments after paying for essentials like housing, food, transport and school fees. There is no minimum or maximum income, and it does not matter whether you are employed, self-employed or retired, as long as you have a regular income.
If you have no income at the moment, debt review is usually not the right tool yet. Speak to us anyway: we will explain your options honestly.
What can be included
- Credit cards and store accounts
- Personal loans and micro-loans
- Vehicle finance
- Home loans (bonds)
- Overdrafts and revolving credit
- Furniture and cellphone contracts that are credit agreements
What cannot be included
- Municipal rates, water and electricity (we budget for them instead)
- SARS debt and traffic fines
- Maintenance orders
- Accounts where a creditor already sent a Section 129 notice before you applied
- Debts that already have a judgment or garnishee order
How debt review works
Five steps, usually over 3 to 5 years. We handle the paperwork, the negotiations and the court application.
1. Assess
A free, no-obligation look at your income, living costs and debt, to see whether you are over-indebted.
2. Protect
We notify your credit providers and the credit bureaus. From then on they may not start new legal action on the accounts included.
3. Restructure
We negotiate lower instalments and interest with each credit provider, so the total fits your budget.
4. Order
Your restructured plan is made an order of the magistrate’s court, or confirmed by the National Consumer Tribunal.
5. Clear
You pay one amount a month through an NCR-registered payment distribution agency until you receive your clearance certificate.
Timing matters: if a credit provider has already sent you a Section 129 notice on an account, that account can no longer be included in debt review. Contact us as soon as you start falling behind, not when the summons arrives.
What changes for you during debt review
Your car and home stay protected
As long as you keep paying the restructured instalment, credit providers included in the plan may not repossess your car or house. This protection is one of the main reasons people choose debt review over simply falling behind.
You cannot take on new credit
While you are under debt review, a flag on your credit report stops you from getting new credit. This protects you from sliding deeper into debt while the plan runs.
You make one payment a month
Instead of juggling many debit orders, you pay one agreed amount to a registered payment distribution agency, which pays each creditor. You receive regular statements showing your balances going down.
You get a clearance certificate at the end
When all your debts except your home loan are paid, and your bond is up to date, we issue your clearance certificate and the debt review flag is removed from your credit report.
What debt review costs
Debt counselling fees are capped by law, and your first conversation with us costs nothing.
| Your first assessment | Free, no obligation |
| Application fee | R50, once-off |
| Restructuring fee | Your first restructured instalment, capped at R8,000 (R9,000 for a joint application by spouses married in community of property) |
| Aftercare fee | 5% of your monthly instalment, capped at R450 a month |
Fees are set by the National Credit Regulator and exclude VAT. Payment distribution agency fees and any legal costs are separate, and we explain every amount in writing before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long does debt review take?
Most plans run for 3 to 5 years, depending on how much you owe and what you can afford each month. Paying extra, or settling smaller accounts first, can shorten it.
Can I leave debt review early?
Yes, once you have paid off the debts in the plan, or in certain cases with a court order. Leaving before then means your creditors can resume legal action, so talk to us first.
Will debt review affect my job?
No. Your employer is not notified and debt review is not a public listing. Only a credit check you consent to will show the flag.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually not. We prepare and handle the court or National Consumer Tribunal application for you.
Is debt review the same as sequestration or administration?
No. Debt review keeps your assets protected while you repay your debt in full over time. Sequestration and administration are different legal processes. Read more in What is debt counselling.
How do I start?
Leave your details in the form at the top of this page, send us a WhatsApp, or call 087 056 0654 for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Tell us about your situation. We will assess it for free and explain your options, with no obligation.
Gauteng Debt Counselling · NCR-registered debt counsellor Leandie Brink (NCRDC2414) · Member of DCASA · 463 Protea Street, Strubenkop, Pretoria · Mon to Fri, 08:00 to 16:00 · 087 056 0654 · [email protected]
The free assessment does not bind you to any agreement.