Debt Counselling FAQ

Get answers to 116+ frequently asked questions about debt counselling in South Africa. Expert guidance from NCR-registered debt counsellors.

Back to Debt Counselling overview

Pick a Category

Getting Started24 questions

The Process20 questions

Costs & Fees10 questions

Legal Protection19 questions

During Debt Review25 questions

Completion & Exit18 questions

Getting Started

Learn the basics of debt counselling and how to begin

24 questions

View all 24 Getting Started questions

The Process

Understand each step of debt review

20 questions

View all 20 The Process questions

Costs & Fees

NCR-regulated fee structure explained

10 questions

View all 10 Costs & Fees questions

Legal Protection

How your assets and rights are protected

19 questions

View all 19 Legal Protection questions

During Debt Review

What to expect while under debt review

25 questions

View all 25 During Debt Review questions

Completion & Exit

Clearance certificates and exiting debt review

18 questions

View all 18 Completion & Exit questions

Still Have Questions?

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Related Resources

Debt Counselling Process

Detailed step-by-step guide to the debt review process in South Africa.

Learn More →

2026 Fee Guide

Complete breakdown of NCR-regulated debt counselling fees.

View Fees →

Debt Review Removal FAQ

Questions about exiting debt review and clearance certificates.

Read FAQ →

Debt Counselling FAQ

Pick a Category

Getting Started

What is a debt counsellor?

What is debt review (debt counselling)?

Is debt counselling the same as debt review?

What is the NCA (National Credit Act)?

What is the NCR (National Credit Regulator)?

Who can apply for debt counselling in South Africa?

How do I know if I qualify for debt review?

How do I know when I need debt review?

What does it mean to be over-indebted?

How did I become over-indebted?

How do I find a reputable debt counsellor?

Why should I use a debt counsellor?

Are your Debt Counsellors NCR-registered, and how can I verify that?

Can I choose my own debt counsellor?

I am unemployed - can I apply for debt review?

Do I have to attend an interview to apply for debt counselling?

Can I apply for debt counselling if I already have judgements against me?

What is a credit bureau?

What is a credit report?

What are the rights of consumers in debt counselling?

Will going under debt review affect my employment opportunities?

Can I settle my debt without debt counselling?

What is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?

Can I apply for debt counselling if I am self-employed?

The Process

What steps are involved in the debt counselling process?

How long does the debt counselling process take?

How quickly does debt review provide protection?

How long will it take to start to feel relief from the stress of my debts?

What documents are required for debt counselling?

How do debt counsellors negotiate with creditors?

How do you manage to reduce the payments?

What will happen if my credit providers are not happy with the revised payment plan?

Do I need to go to court personally?

Will my details be sent to the credit bureaus and my credit providers?

Which Payment Distribution Agency (PDA) do you use?

Who is responsible for payment distributions to credit providers?

What payments will I make under debt review?

What is a consent order vs court order in debt review?

What happens to my bond if my unsecured debt is paid off?

What happens if I get retrenched during debt review?

Understanding the loan process: What you need to know

What if my income increases during debt review?

What is Form 17.1 in debt counselling?

What is Form 17.2 (Certificate of Balance)?

Costs & Fees

How much does debt counselling cost in South Africa?

Are there any upfront costs for debt counselling?

Can debt review actually save me money?

How will I pay for my living expenses during debt review?

When I am under debt review, will my outstanding debt keep growing?

What happens to interest rates during debt review?

How can I stick within my monthly budget during debt review?

Are there payment holidays during debt review?

Is debt consolidation the same as debt review?

What is credit life insurance and do I need it during debt review?

Legal Protection

What legal protection does debt counselling provide?

How do you protect my assets (home/vehicle)?

Will I lose my assets while under debt review?

Can I enter debt counselling if I have already been summonsed or handed over?

What is a Section 129 notice vs letter of demand?

What is sequestration vs debt review vs administration?

What if I am under debt counselling and my credit providers contact me directly?

How am I protected while under debt review?

What is reckless lending and can it help me?

Can creditors garnish my wages during debt review?

What is a court order in debt review?

What happens if a creditor ignores my debt review status?

What are emoluments attachment orders (garnishee orders)?

What do I do if I am a victim of fraud and my credit record has been breached?

What to do if you are experiencing problems with a credit bureau?

What happens if creditors don't accept my repayment plan?

Does my marital status affect the debt counselling process?

Can I still rent property if I am under debt review?

Can my employer fire me for being under debt review?

During Debt Review