helpUsave Debt Counsellors

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

Cost Involved: There are restructuring fees, legal fees, and monthly aftercare fees, which are regulated by law, but included in your monthly premium for the first 3 months, after that distributions start happening towards your creditors by law.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

Irreversible Once Granted: You cannot withdraw from the process once a court order is granted until your debts are fully paid.

Unless you stop payments, then a Debt Counsellor may issue a Form 17.W and withdraw from the process, the flag still stays on your credit record as "Under Debt Review" until all debts are fully settled.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

Flagged Record: Your credit record will be flagged (Form 17.1) at bureaus until a clearance certificate is issued.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

No New Credit: You cannot use store cards, credit cards, or take out loans while under review.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

One Consolidated Payment: You make one monthly payment to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which distributes funds to creditors.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

Reduced Payments: A registered Debt Counsellor negotiates lower monthly installments, often extending the repayment period.

13/05/2026

Key Facts About Debt Review:

Legal Protection: Once you apply, creditors cannot repossess assets or take legal action against you, provided you stick to the payment plan.

13/05/2026

A couple of facts - In case you wondered or are unsure of what is Debt Review?

Debt review (or debt counselling) is a legal process in South Africa under the National Credit Act (NCA) that helps over-indebted consumers by restructuring debt repayments into one affordable monthly instalment.

It protects consumers from creditors' legal action and ensures essential living expenses are met. However, it prevents taking new credit until all debt is paid.

22/04/2026