Do I Qualify for Debt Review Removal?
Complete our comprehensive assessment to discover your removal route, get instant pricing, and start your journey to financial freedom.
Free 5-Minute Qualification Assessment
Our comprehensive assessment checks your NCR status, determines which removal route applies to you, and provides instant pricing based on your situation.
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How to Qualify for Debt Review Removal in South Africa
The legal pathways for removing the debt review flag from your credit report are regulated by the National Credit Act and the National Credit Regulator's guidelines.
1. Full Settlement of Debts (Clearance Certificate)
This is the most common and straightforward way to exit debt review.
- Requirements: Settle all debts included in the debt re-arrangement order or agreement.
- Home Loan Exception: Your home loan doesn't need to be fully paid off - just ensure it's up to date and you can resume original monthly repayments.
- Process: Your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate and notifies the NCR and all credit bureaus.
2. Court Order - No Longer Over-Indebted (Section 87/165)
If your financial situation has significantly improved and you can afford your original debt repayments.
- Requirements: Demonstrate with documented proof (bank statements, payslips) that you can meet original debt obligations.
- Section 87: Apply to court to reject debt review if no court order was granted yet.
- Section 165: Apply to rescind an existing court order if one was granted.
- Outcome: Court order is submitted to NCR and credit bureaus to update your status.
3. Early Withdrawal - Status Code A (Section 86(6)(b))
If you applied for debt review but your credit record shows Status Code A (not yet declared over-indebted by a court).
- Requirements: Debt review application made but no court order granted yet.
- Process: Request your debt counsellor to issue a Form 17.2(a) to update your status.
- If counsellor refuses: You can transfer to another debt counsellor or seek legal assistance.
All-inclusive fee. Fully disclosed in writing before any work begins and before any fee becomes payable, in accordance with Section 126A(3) of the National Credit Act.
Avoid Debt Review Removal Scams
- Be cautious of companies promising "instant clearance" or "fast exits" for upfront fees
- The debt review removal process is legal under the National Credit Act and cannot be simply cancelled
- Only work with NCR-registered professionals who follow proper legal procedures
- Verify any debt counsellor's registration at www.ncr.org.za
Debt Review Removal Routes at a Glance
Our assessment determines which route applies to your situation based on your financial circumstances.
Clearance Certificate
All debts paid in full. Quickest route at 7-14 days.
Section 87
Court rejection if no court order exists yet.
Section 86(6)(b)
Early withdrawal before court order granted.
Section 165
Rescind existing court order.
How Our Payment Structure Works
NDRC complies with Section 126A(3) of the National Credit Act. We do not collect payment for credit record improvement or debt review removal services before those services are fully performed.
- Free initial assessment — no charge
- Written disclosure statement provided before any fees become payable
- All fee arrangements confirmed in your signed service agreement
Speak to a consultant for full fee details applicable to your matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about qualifying for debt review removal
How do I qualify for debt review removal?
You can qualify for debt review removal through two main routes: (1) Full Settlement - paying all debts in full and receiving a Form 19 clearance certificate, or (2) Court Application - proving to a court you're no longer over-indebted and can afford original monthly repayments. The exact process depends on whether a court order was granted in your case.
Can I exit debt review without paying all my debts in full?
Yes. If your financial situation has significantly improved and you can demonstrate you're no longer over-indebted, you can apply to the Magistrate's Court under Section 87 (to reject debt review) or Section 165 (to rescind an existing court order) of the National Credit Act. You'll need documented proof such as bank statements and payslips.
What is Status Code A and Form 17.2(a)?
Status Code A means you've applied for debt review but haven't yet been declared over-indebted by a court. If your credit record shows Status Code A, you may exit the process more easily by requesting your debt counsellor to issue a Form 17.2(a) to update your status, proving you're not over-indebted.
What if no court order was granted in my debt review case?
If only a debt review application was made but no court order was granted (Status Code A), you can request early withdrawal under Section 86(6)(b). Your debt counsellor issues a Form 17.2(a) to update your status with credit bureaus. If your counsellor refuses, you can transfer to another or seek legal assistance.
Do I need a home loan to be paid off for debt review removal?
No. Home loans have a special exception under the National Credit Act. Your home loan doesn't need to be fully paid off - you just need to ensure the account is up to date and you can resume the original contractual monthly repayments. All short-term credit agreements must be paid in full.
How long does debt review removal take?
Clearance certificates can be issued within 7-14 days once all debts are settled. Court applications under Section 87 or 165 typically take 3-6 months. Early withdrawal (Section 86) takes 14-21 days. Credit bureaus then have 21 business days to remove the flag from your profile.
What does debt review removal cost?
Costs depend on your removal route: Clearance Certificate (Form 19) costs R450 (VAT excl), Court Application (Section 87/165) costs R8,550 (VAT excl), and Quick Rejection (Section 86) costs R350 (VAT excl). In terms of s 126A(3) of the NCA, no fees are collected before the service is fully performed; a written disclosure statement is provided before any fees become payable.
Can I get credit after debt review removal?
Yes! Once your debt review flag is removed from credit bureaus, you can apply for new credit. Credit bureaus update your profile within 21 business days of receiving your clearance certificate or court order. Most clients see their status updated within 14 days.
Have more questions? Read our complete guides:
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