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    The Process

    What is Form 17.W(b) and when is it used?

    Form 17.W(b) is the notice a registered debt counsellor issues to credit providers and credit bureaus when the counsellor suspends the rendering of debt counselling services because the consumer has failed to cooperate with the debt review process.

    Common grounds for non-cooperation include the consumer failing to submit required documents, failing to make agreed payments to the Payment Distribution Agent, becoming uncontactable for an extended period, or actively obstructing the application by refusing to verify income or expenses.

    Form 17.W(b) is not the same as Form 17.W (the consumer-initiated withdrawal before Form 17.2) and not the same as Form 17.W(c) (issued when a Magistrate's Court rejects a Section 87 proposal). It is a counsellor-side suspension only.

    Importantly, Form 17.W(b) does not remove the debt review flag from your credit profile. The bureau status moves to an inactive code (commonly Status F), but the consumer remains on record as a person who entered debt review. Removal still requires one of the recognised NCA exit routes.

    If a Form 17.W(b) has been issued against you, NDRC can review the file, determine whether the suspension was procedurally correct, and advise on the correct exit route to clear the flag.

    Expert Answer

    Provided by NCR-registered debt counsellors (NCRDC3106)

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