Debt Review is a formal legal process introduced by the National Credit Act (NCA) in South Africa to help over-indebted consumers repay their debts in a more manageable way. A registered Debt Counsellor assesses your finances and negotiates with creditors to reduce monthly payments while protecting you from legal action.

You must be over-indebted, meaning your expenses exceed your income, and you are struggling to meet monthly debt repayments. A Debt Counsellor will assess your income, living expenses, and debts to determine eligibility.

Generally, no. Debt Review is based on your ability to repay your debt in reduced installments. Without a source of income, the Debt Counsellor will not be able to create a workable repayment plan.

Most unsecured debts such as:

• Credit cards

• Personal loans

• Store accounts

• Vehicle finance

• Home loans

Excluded: Debts like fines, informal loans, or future debts are not covered.

No. You won’t be blacklisted, but you will be flagged at credit bureaus as being under Debt Review. This means you won’t be able to take out new credit while under review.

Typically between 3 to 5 years, depending on your debt amount and repayment capacity. Once all your debts are paid off (except possibly your home loan), you can exit the process.

No. The National Credit Act prohibits additional credit while you are under Debt Review to avoid worsening your financial situation.

Yes, but only once your debts are fully paid off, or if a court rescinds the review (usually only if you were wrongly found over-indebted). Simply changing your mind or becoming employed after being unemployed does not automatically cancel the process.

• Single affordable monthly repayment

• Legal protection from creditors and repossession

• No more harassment from credit providers

• Reduced interest rates

• Peace of mind and structured path to becoming debt-free

No. Once you’re under Debt Review and your Debt Counsellor submits your proposal to creditors, your assets are legally protected—as long as you stick to the agreed payment plan.

Contact Your Debt Counsellor which will issue a Clearance Certificate (Form 19). This gets sent to all credit bureaus and creditors.