Debt Review South Africa
Debt Review (also known as debt counselling) is a legal process under the National Credit Act that helps over-indebted South Africans reduce monthly payments and gain full legal protection from creditor harassment and repossessions.
What Is Debt Review?
Debt review is a regulated legal process created by South Africa’s National Credit Act (NCA). It protects you from aggressive collections while a qualified, NCR‑registered debt counsellor restructures your repayments into one affordable monthly instalment.
How Debt Review Works
Our NCR-registered debt counsellors assess your income and expenses, negotiate with your creditors, and consolidate your repayments into one affordable monthly payment. Interest is often reduced, and you receive immediate legal protection once the process starts.
Who Qualifies
You likely qualify if you’re struggling to meet minimum payments, have a regular income, and want a structured plan to become debt-free. Use our Debt Review Qualification Quiz to check in minutes.
Benefits
- One reduced, affordable monthly payment
- Legal protection from creditor harassment and repossession
- Reduced interest and fees
- A clear path to becoming debt-free
- No more juggling multiple debit orders
- Budget certainty and stress reduction
Documents You’ll Need
- SA ID and proof of residence
- Recent payslips or bank statements (proof of income)
- List of monthly expenses
- Latest statements for all credit accounts
After Completion
When your plan is complete, you’ll receive a clearance certificate (Form 19). Bureaus are notified to update your profile, and you can rebuild credit responsibly.
8‑Step Process
- Free assessment
- Application + documentation
- Notify all creditors (legal protection begins)
- Collect balances and interest rates
- Draft affordable repayment plan
- Negotiate reduced interest and fees
- Court/Consent order for protection
- Monthly single payment until clearance
Costs & Fees
Transparent, regulated by the NCR:
- Once‑off application/administration fees
- Monthly after‑care fee (built into plan)
- Court/attorney costs where applicable
All fees are included in your single monthly instalment.
Timeline
- Protection: immediate on notification
- Plan finalisation: typically within 60 business days
- Debt‑free: depends on balances and reductions
Debt Review FAQs
Will debt review stop creditor calls?
Yes. Once creditors are notified, collection calls and legal action must stop and communication goes through your counsellor.
Can I keep my car and home?
In most cases yes, provided payments are maintained under the new plan and any arrears are included.
Does debt review affect my credit score?
You won’t be able to take new credit, but successfully completing the process and receiving a clearance certificate helps rebuild creditworthiness.
Is there a minimum debt amount?
We generally assist from around R20,000 total debt. Use the calculator to estimate savings.
How long does the process take?
Protection is immediate once creditors are notified. The formal plan is typically finalised within 60 business days.
Can I travel or change jobs during debt review?
Yes. Inform your counsellor of any changes so your plan remains affordable and up to date.
Can I exit early?
If you can settle debts sooner, we’ll help restructure or settle early and issue a clearance certificate once all obligations are met.
Is consolidation the same as debt review?
No. Consolidation is a new loan. Debt review restructures existing credit with legal protection and reduced interest—no new credit needed.