Frequently Asked Questions

Debt review (also called debt counselling) is a formal process regulated by the National Credit Act (NCA) that helps over-indebted consumers manage their debt. A registered debt counsellor assesses your financial situation, negotiates reduced payments with creditors, and provides legal protection against asset repossession.

Once you enter debt review, creditors are legally prohibited from taking action against you. They cannot repossess your vehicle or home, garnish your salary, or harass you with collection calls. This protection remains in place throughout the debt review process.

Debt review is a legal process under the NCA where a debt counsellor negotiates on your behalf and you make one reduced payment. Debt consolidation is a new loan that combines debts — you still owe the full amount. Debt review typically reduces your total repayments and provides legal protection.

Yes, your bank account remains fully functional. However, you won't be able to take on new credit while under debt review. Your salary is paid into your account as normal and you make one consolidated payment to the Payment Distribution Agency (PDA).

Our free assessment involves a confidential consultation where we review your income, expenses, and total debt. We then determine if you qualify for debt review and estimate how much your monthly payments could be reduced — all at no cost or obligation.

All debt counselling fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and set out in the NCA. These include a once-off application fee, a restructuring fee, and an ongoing aftercare fee — all of which are included in your reduced monthly payment. There are no hidden costs.

The initial application takes 1-2 weeks. Creditor negotiations typically take 30-60 days. The full process to become debt-free depends on your total debt and can range from 36 to 60 months. Our goal is to get you debt-free as quickly as possible.

In most cases, no. Your debt counsellor handles all court applications on your behalf. A consent order is typically obtained without you needing to physically appear in court.

No. One of the primary benefits of debt review is asset protection. Once you're under debt review, creditors cannot repossess your home. We negotiate affordable payment terms with your bond holder to ensure you keep your home.

No. Debt review provides a legal 'stay' on all repossession actions under Section 86(10) of the NCA. Your vehicle is protected as long as you remain in the debt review process and make your agreed payments.

Contact us immediately. We can file an emergency court application to halt the repossession process. Even if you've received a Section 129 notice, there are legal remedies available to protect your assets.

We use a combination of legal protections under the NCA, including Section 86 applications, urgent court interdicts, and direct creditor negotiations to create affordable repayment plans that keep your assets safe.

While under debt review, a flag is placed on your credit record indicating you are under debt counselling. This prevents you from taking on new credit. Once you complete debt review and receive your Clearance Certificate (Form 19), the flag is removed and your credit status is restored.

No. While under debt review you cannot apply for or take on any new credit. This is a legal requirement designed to prevent you from accumulating more debt while restructuring your existing obligations.

Once all your debts are paid up, your debt counsellor issues a Clearance Certificate (Form 19). This is submitted to the credit bureaus who must remove the debt review flag within 21 business days.

If you receive a court summons while under debt review, contact us immediately. We work with experienced attorneys to defend your rights and ensure creditors comply with the NCA protections that apply to consumers under debt review.