There is no fixed number of years after which debt review automatically ends. Debt review continues until one of the legally recognised exit events occurs, regardless of how much time has passed.
The duration of debt review depends on:
• The total amount of debt under your restructuring plan.
• The monthly instalment you can afford to pay.
• Whether the instalment was increased over time as income improved.
• Whether any accounts prescribed or were written off.
Typical debt review completion periods based on debt levels:
• Small debt amounts under R50,000: typically 2 to 5 years under a properly structured plan.
• Medium debt between R50,000 and R200,000: typically 5 to 10 years.
• Large debt over R200,000: 10 to 20 years or more under a standard restructured plan.
This is why debt review removal through the court application route, demonstrating you are no longer over-indebted before completing the full plan, can be so valuable. If your income has increased significantly, you may be able to exit after 2 to 3 years of debt review rather than waiting 10 to 15 years to complete the plan.
The removal process itself, once you qualify:
• Clearance Certificate under Section 71: 1 to 3 weeks.
• Court Application under Section 87 or 165: 4 to 6 months.
NDRC recommends reviewing your eligibility for debt review removal every 12 to 18 months as your income and circumstances change. What was not achievable 2 years ago may be achievable today. Call 041 012 5036 or complete a free assessment at ndrc.org.za.