Debt Counselling Fees 2026
Official NCR-regulated fee structure for debt counselling in South Africa. Understand every cost before you apply.
What You'll Learn — 6 key topics
R50
Application Fee
R300
Administration Fee
R8,000
Max Restructuring
R450
Max Monthly After-Care
All fees exclude VAT. Source: NCR Debt Counselling Fee Structure Guidelines (Circular 001/2018)
One of the most common questions we receive at the National Debt Review Center is straightforward: what does debt counselling actually cost? When you're already drowning in debt, the last thing you want is another expense eating into what little you have left.
The good news is that debt counselling fees in South Africa are regulated by the National Credit Regulator. This means debt counsellors cannot simply charge whatever they like. There are fixed limits, specific rules about when fees can be collected, and protections in place for consumers.
Are Debt Counselling Fees Regulated in South Africa?
Yes, all debt counselling fees are strictly regulated under the National Credit Act (Act 34 of 2005). The National Credit Regulator publishes official fee structure guidelines that every registered debt counsellor must follow.
What Happens If a Debt Counsellor Overcharges?
If a debt counsellor charges fees above the regulated limits, they are in breach of the National Credit Act. Consumers have the right to report such practices to the NCR, which can investigate and take disciplinary action. Penalties can include fines, suspension, or permanent removal from the NCR register.
Once-Off Setup Fees: What You Pay at the Start
Application Fee: R50 (Excluding VAT)
The application fee is a flat fee of R50 that covers the costs of processing your completed debt review application. This includes the initial paperwork, verification of your identity, and formal registration of your application with the NCR system.
Administration Fee: R300 (Excluding VAT)
The administration fee of R300 covers several essential services:
- Initial consultation where the debt counsellor explains the process and discloses all fees
- Sending Form 17.1 notifications to all your credit providers
- Loading your details onto the NCR Debt Help System (DHS)
- Handling any Form 17.2 rejections
Restructuring Fee: Maximum R8,000 (Single) or R9,000 (Married COP)
The restructuring fee is the largest once-off fee. It covers:
- Preparation of repayment proposals for credit providers
- Negotiating with credit providers for reduced instalments and interest rates
- Submitting final proposals to credit providers
- Supplying documents to attorneys for court application drafting
- Updating the NCR Debt Help System
No Upfront Cash Payment Required
The restructuring fee is collected from your first restructured payment after proposals have been drafted. You do not pay this fee in cash upfront.
Monthly Ongoing Fees: What You Pay Each Month
After-Care Fee: 5% of Distributable Amount, Maximum R450/Month
The after-care fee covers ongoing work your debt counsellor performs:
- Form 17.2(c) process and compliance monitoring
- Reviewing your financial situation if circumstances change
- Attending to payment queries with creditors
- Managing the clearance process when debts are paid
- Processing any withdrawal requests (Form 17.W)
The fee is calculated as 5% of your distributable amount each month, but it can never exceed R450. For example, if your monthly payment is R4,000, the after-care fee would be R200 (5%).
Payment Distribution Agency (PDA) Fee
The PDA charges a fee for collecting your single monthly payment and distributing it to your various creditors. This is typically around R15 per creditor distribution. The exact fee depends on which PDA is used, but these fees are regulated and transparent.
Legal Fees: Understanding the Court Process
Debt counselling is a legal process that requires either a court order or a consent order from the National Consumer Tribunal to make your restructured payment plan legally binding.
NCT Submission Fee: R500.00 (excl. VAT)
Our service fee for preparing and submitting your NCT application on your behalf — drafting the consent order pack, lodging it with the Tribunal, and serving credit providers. R500.00 (excluding VAT), charged and payable in Month 2 after completion of the restructuring process. This is separate from the NCT's own filing fee below.
NCT Filing Fee: R717.79
The National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) charges a single statutory filing fee for debt re-arrangement applications lodged for a consent order. Per Government Gazette No 42337 (29 March 2019), this fee is reviewed annually and is currently R717.79 per application, effective 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (increased from R667.72). It is paid directly to the NCT and is collected from your restructured payment in Month 2.
Magistrate Court Attorney Fees
If one or more creditors reject your repayment plan, the matter must go to Magistrate Court. Attorney fees are variable and must be agreed upon upfront in writing. Typically, the attorney fee is equivalent to one monthly debt rehabilitation amount.
Complete NCR Debt Counselling Fee Structure (2026)
| Service | Amount (Excl. VAT) | When Payable |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | R50 | Upfront, in full |
| Administration Fee | R300 | Upfront, in full |
| Restructuring Fee | Max R8,000 (single) / R9,000 (married COP) | Month 1 after proposal |
| Reckless Lending Fee | R1,500 | Month 2 (if applicable) |
| After-Care Fee | 5% of distributable, max R450/month | Monthly from Month 3 |
| NCT Submission Fee | R500.00 (excl. VAT) | Month 2 |
| NCT Filing Fee | R717.79 (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027) | Month 2 |
| Attorney Fees (Court) | Variable (agreed upfront) | After court hearing |
| PDA Distribution Fee | ~R15 per creditor | Monthly |
Download Official NCR Fee Structure Guidelines
Get the complete official document from the National Credit Regulator outlining all regulated debt counselling fees.
Download Official NCR Guidelines (PDF)Source: NCR Circular 001/2018
Where Your First Payments Go: Month-by-Month
Restructuring Fee
Your first monthly payment goes toward the restructuring fee (up to R8,000/R9,000). This compensates the debt counsellor for negotiating your repayment plan.
Legal Fees & Reckless Lending Assessment
Your second payment covers the NCT submission fee (R500 excl. VAT) and the NCT filing fee (R717.79) — or attorney fees if the matter goes to court — plus the reckless lending investigation fee (R1,500) if applicable. Remaining funds begin distribution to creditors.
Creditors Receive Distributions
From Month 3, the bulk of your payment goes to your creditors according to the restructured plan. Only the after-care fee (max R450) and PDA fees are deducted monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Counselling Fees
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Official Resources & Legal References
The information on this page is based on South African legislation and regulations. For official information, please refer to the following authoritative sources:
Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
We operate under strict regulatory oversight to ensure your financial protection and service quality.
NCR Registered
National Credit Regulator Approved
Our debt counsellor is registered with the National Credit Regulator
Registration Number
Licensed under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005
Company Registration
South African Private Company
Legally registered private company in South Africa
Company Number
VAT Number: 4510302187
FAIS Status
Financial Advisory Services
Not currently FAIS registered - debt counselling services only
Current Status
No financial advice provided
Professional Standards & Protection
Client Protection Measures
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for all debt counselling services
Regulatory Oversight
Subject to NCR monitoring and compliance requirements
Consumer Protection
All services comply with National Credit Act provisions
Ethical Standards
Adherence to NCR Code of Conduct for debt counsellors
Important Regulatory Notice
Service Disclaimer: NDRC provides debt counselling services under NCR registration NCRDC3106. We do not provide financial advice services as defined under FAIS. All debt counselling services are regulated by the National Credit Regulator in terms of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005.