Getting Started
Learn the basics of debt counselling and how to begin
What is a debt counsellor?
A debt counsellor is a professional registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) who helps over-indebted consumers manage their debt through th...
Read MoreWhat is debt review (debt counselling)?
Debt review, also known as debt counselling, is a legal debt relief program created under the National Credit Act (No 34 of 2005). It helps over-indeb...
Read MoreIs debt counselling the same as debt review?
Yes, debt counselling and debt review are the same thing. They are two names for the same legal process under the National Credit Act (NCA). The terms...
Read MoreWhat is the NCA (National Credit Act)?
The National Credit Act (NCA), Act No. 34 of 2005, is the South African law that prescribes rules and regulations for the credit industry. It sets the...
Read MoreWhat is the NCR (National Credit Regulator)?
The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and regulating the South African credit industry under the Natio...
Read MoreWho can apply for debt counselling in South Africa?
South African residents with regular income who are struggling to meet monthly debt obligations can apply. The primary requirement is that your expend...
Read MoreHow do I know if I qualify for debt review?
If you are struggling to make ends meet at the end of each month and are in arrears on your financial commitments, there is a strong likelihood that y...
Read MoreHow do I know when I need debt review?
There are key indicators that suggest you're struggling with debt and may need help. Ask yourself these questions:
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be over-indebted?
You are considered over-indebted when your current debt exceeds your current income after all your essential living expenses have been paid. In simple...
Read MoreHow did I become over-indebted?
Over-indebtedness can happen to anyone and often results from a combination of factors:
Read MoreHow do I find a reputable debt counsellor?
Finding a reputable debt counsellor requires due diligence:
Read MoreWhy should I use a debt counsellor?
Using an NCR-registered debt counsellor provides several key benefits:
Read MoreAre your Debt Counsellors NCR-registered, and how can I verify that?
Yes, our registered principal Debt Counsellor is registered under NCRDC3106. Our registration can be independently verified on the National Credit Reg...
Read MoreCan I choose my own debt counsellor?
Yes, you have the right to choose any NCR-registered debt counsellor to handle your debt review. You are not obligated to use a counsellor recommended...
Read MoreI am unemployed - can I apply for debt review?
No, unfortunately debt review requires a regular income to pay your credit providers under the terms of the payment plan.
Read MoreDo I have to attend an interview to apply for debt counselling?
No, you do not need to attend a formal interview to apply for debt counselling. The entire process can be conducted remotely via phone, email, and ele...
Read MoreCan I apply for debt counselling if I already have judgements against me?
Yes, you can still apply for debt counselling even if you have judgements against you, but with some limitations.
Read MoreWhat is a credit bureau?
A credit bureau is a company that collects and maintains information about consumers' credit history. In South Africa, the major credit bureaus includ...
Read MoreWhat is a credit report?
A credit report is a detailed summary of your credit and financial history prepared by the credit bureaus. It shows:
Read MoreWhat are the rights of consumers in debt counselling?
As a consumer in debt counselling, you have several rights protected by the National Credit Act:
Read MoreWill going under debt review affect my employment opportunities?
Debt review status is not automatically shared with employers, but some positions may require credit checks as part of the application process, partic...
Read MoreCan I settle my debt without debt counselling?
Yes, you can try to negotiate directly with creditors, but this rarely succeeds because creditors are more likely to negotiate with registered debt co...
Read MoreWhat is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?
Secured debt is backed by an asset (collateral) that the creditor can repossess if you default. Unsecured debt has no collateral attached.
Read MoreCan I apply for debt counselling if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for debt counselling. The process is the same, but documentation requirements differ slightly.
Read MoreStill Have Questions?
Our NCR-registered debt counsellors are ready to help. Get a free, confidential assessment today.