Debt review in South Africa
Make your debt repayments more manageable with debt review
If your income no longer covers essential living costs and all your debt repayments, debt review may help. An NCR-registered debt counsellor assesses your situation and can propose a structured repayment plan based on what you can afford — without taking a new loan.
Trust highlights
Legal debt-relief process
Debt review is provided for under Section 86 of the National Credit Act.
NCR-registered assessment
A registered debt counsellor checks your income, essential expenses and credit commitments before recommending a formal process.
Repayments based on affordability
If debt review is suitable, a repayment proposal is prepared around your verified disposable income and discussed with your credit providers.
Clear costs and next steps
You should receive an explanation of fees, responsibilities, timelines and what happens next before you proceed.
What debt review can do
Debt review is designed for over-indebted consumers who have income but cannot keep up with all their monthly credit commitments and essential living costs.
A registered debt counsellor can:
- Assess whether you are over-indebted.
- Help you build a realistic household budget.
- Negotiate with credit providers about reduced contractual payments.
- Prepare a proposal to restructure qualifying debts.
- Monitor the agreed payment process and guide you towards the applicable clearance requirements.
Who should check if they qualify?
It is worth requesting an assessment if:
- You are using credit to cover food, transport or other essentials.
- You are paying some accounts by falling behind on others.
- Your monthly debt repayments no longer fit your income.
- You are worried about arrears, collection pressure or possible legal action.
- You want a regulated route instead of borrowing more money.
How the DRC debt review process works
Request a free assessment
Share your income, essential monthly expenses and credit commitments so a counsellor can understand your position.
Check affordability and over-indebtedness
A registered debt counsellor reviews whether debt review is suitable and explains other options if it is not.
Start the formal application
If you choose to proceed and qualify, the formal process begins and the required notices are sent to credit providers and credit bureaux.
Prepare a repayment proposal
Your verified disposable income is used to prepare a realistic proposal for qualifying credit agreements.
Complete the required legal process
The repayment arrangement is formalised through the applicable court or National Consumer Tribunal process.
Maintain payments and work towards clearance
You make the agreed payment, keep in contact with your counsellor and work towards the legal requirements for a clearance certificate.
Debt review, debt counselling and consolidation
Debt counselling is the professional service provided by a registered debt counsellor. Debt review is the formal debt-relief process used when a consumer is assessed as over-indebted. Debt consolidation is usually a new loan used to settle other debts.
If you are already struggling to afford existing credit, taking another loan may increase the pressure. Start with an assessment before deciding which route fits your situation.
Debt review FAQs
What is debt review?
Debt review is a debt-relief process for over-indebted South African consumers. A debt counsellor registered with the National Credit Regulator assesses the consumer’s finances and, where appropriate, helps restructure qualifying credit repayments through the formal process.
Who qualifies for debt review?
A person generally needs an income and must be unable, or likely to become unable, to meet all credit obligations on time after reasonable living expenses. Qualification is confirmed through a proper assessment, not an online promise.
Is the first assessment free?
DRC offers a free initial assessment. Formal debt counselling fees may apply if you proceed. The fees, responsibilities and payment process should be explained before you commit.
Can I get new credit while under debt review?
No. A consumer under debt review cannot obtain further credit until the process is completed and the applicable clearance requirements are met.
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.
Does debt review stop legal action?
Legal protection can apply when debt review is started before enforcement has progressed too far and the required process and payments are maintained. A debt counsellor must check the position of each account before giving advice.
How long does debt review take?
There is no single fixed term. The time depends on income, essential expenses, debt balances, the agreed repayment terms and whether payments are maintained.
Is debt review the same as debt consolidation?
No. Debt consolidation is normally a new loan. Debt review restructures qualifying existing credit through a regulated process and does not require a new loan.
How do I start?
Begin with a free assessment. You can check whether debt review may fit your situation or use the calculator for an initial estimate before speaking to a counsellor.
Get a clear answer before debt pressure gets worse
Start with a free assessment of your income, essential expenses and debt commitments. You will get a practical explanation of whether debt review may fit your situation and what the next step involves.