1. Share your real Durban household numbers
Provide accurate income, essential expenses, credit agreements and any legal notices. Include variable transport, utility and dependent costs instead of using an unrealistically low monthly estimate.
A practical first step for Durban households under debt pressure
Debt review help in Durban and eThekwini
When repayments compete with rent or bond costs, food, transport, electricity and other essentials, start with the real monthly numbers. Debt Review Centre can help you understand whether debt review may fit, what the regulated process involves and what your next step could be.
An assessment is a first step, not a promise of approval, debt cancellation, a fixed saving or immediate legal protection.
Start from Durban with your real household budget
DRC supports consumers in Durban, eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal by phone and online. You do not need to travel to start an assessment. Include the costs that keep your household running: rent or bond payments, food, electricity and water, school or dependent costs, medical needs, insurance, and the taxi, bus or fuel costs you actually pay to get to work.
This detail matters because an affordable proposal cannot be based only on what is left after creditor debit orders. Essential living costs must be visible before anyone discusses a route forward.
How the assessment works
2. Check whether debt review fits
An NCR-registered debt counsellor assesses whether you appear to be over-indebted and explains debt review or another lawful option that may be more suitable.
3. Understand the costs and limits
Before proceeding, you should understand the fees, responsibilities, effect on access to new credit and what the process can and cannot protect.
4. Start the formal process only if you choose to proceed
If debt review is suitable and you choose it, the debt counsellor begins the regulated process and prepares a repayment proposal based on verified affordability.
What debt review may help with
Debt review can create one structured route for assessing affordability, engaging credit providers and proposing revised repayments through the process set out in Section 86 of the National Credit Act.
What debt review cannot promise
Debt review does not automatically cancel valid debt, stop interest, guarantee a fixed payment reduction, guarantee a completion date or allow new credit while you remain under debt counselling.
Important protection note
Debt review can provide protection against certain credit-enforcement action when the legal requirements are met. It is not a blanket promise that every call, notice or legal step stops immediately. Tell the debt counsellor straight away about any section 129 notice, summons, court paper or repossession notice.
What to prepare
Have your latest proof of income, credit statements or a list of accounts, a realistic breakdown of essential household costs and any collection or legal notices available. If a transport, utility or family expense changes from month to month, share a reasonable recent average and explain the variation.
Costs
The initial DRC assessment is free. If you proceed, regulated debt counselling fees and possible legal costs apply. Ask for the full fee explanation before you sign or commit.
Choose the next step that fits your situation
Start with an estimate
Use the calculator for a starting estimate, not a guaranteed outcome.
Use the debt review calculatorCheck whether debt review may fit
Answer practical questions before deciding whether to request a full assessment.
Check if you qualifyUnderstand the regulated process
Read the main debt review guide before making a formal decision.
Learn how debt review worksSpeak to DRC
Ask a counsellor to explain the options that apply to your real household budget.
Request a free assessmentFrequently asked questions
Can DRC help me if I live in Durban or elsewhere in eThekwini?
Yes. Durban, eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal consumers can start by phone or online. DRC does not need to claim a Durban walk-in office to provide an assessment and explain the regulated process.
Does requesting an assessment place me under debt review?
No. The assessment helps determine whether debt review may be suitable. The formal process begins only if it fits your circumstances and you choose to proceed.
Which Durban household costs should I include?
Include the essential costs you genuinely pay, such as housing, food, electricity and water, transport to work, school or dependent costs, medical needs and insurance. Do not reduce them to make a proposed payment look affordable.
What should I do if I already have legal papers?
Tell the debt counsellor immediately and share every notice or court document. The timing and status of each account affect what options may still be available.
Can I take new credit while under debt counselling?
No. Consumers under debt counselling cannot obtain further credit until the applicable requirements are met and a clearance certificate is issued.
Does interest stop under debt review?
No. Interest does not automatically stop. The repayment proposal deals with payments and terms through the formal debt review process.
How much can my monthly payment fall?
There is no honest fixed percentage. Any proposal depends on verified income, essential expenses, debt balances, interest, account status and the legal process.
What does debt counselling cost?
The first DRC assessment is free. If you proceed, debt counselling and possible legal fees apply. Ask for the full fee explanation before committing.
Start with the numbers that matter
You do not need to decide everything today. Share a realistic Durban household budget and understand the lawful options that apply to you.