How to complete or leave debt review in South Africa

Leaving debt review depends on the legal stage of your case and whether the requirements for ending it have been met. A higher salary, a paid fee or a request to cancel does not automatically remove the debt review indicator. Start by asking your registered debt counsellor for your current status and supporting documents.

Find out exactly where your case stands

Ask for your application, the assessment outcome, repayment proposal and any court or tribunal order. If you are unsure whether you formally applied, request the signed documents and the permissions recorded on your file. An enquiry is different from a formal application.

These documents help a counsellor or qualified legal adviser explain the route available to you. Do not rely on a business that promises removal before checking the file.

What does a clearance certificate mean?

A clearance certificate confirms that the statutory requirements for completing debt review have been met. The NCR explains that short-term debts, including vehicle finance, must be settled. A qualifying home loan may remain, subject to the legal conditions, including the required payments being up to date. Your counsellor must check the full requirements in your case.

Do not confuse a vehicle loan with the home-loan exception. Settling only your unsecured accounts is not enough if other relevant debts remain unpaid.

What if you can now afford more?

Ask for up-to-date balances and a settlement position. Discuss whether additional payments can help you complete the arrangement sooner and how they should be allocated. Keep written confirmation and statements showing how each payment affected the accounts.

Improved affordability does not by itself cancel an existing debt rearrangement order. Ask a qualified adviser to explain your legal position before changing payments or paying for a removal service.

What to do when payments become difficult

Tell your counsellor promptly if your income falls or a necessary expense changes. Supply the supporting information and ask what options are available. Missing payments without addressing the problem can put the arrangement at risk. Cancelling a debit order does not cancel debt review.

Be careful with removal offers

In its March 2025 circular, the NCR warns about businesses charging upfront for promised debt review removal. It explains that removal is possible only in the applicable circumstances and refers to its 2021 withdrawal guidelines.

Before paying anyone, ask for their registration, the legal basis for the proposed service, the fee disclosure and what happens if the service cannot be completed. Keep the advertisement, messages and proof of payment if you need to raise a complaint.

After lawful completion

Keep your clearance documents and check that your credit records reflect the completed process. Raise an incorrect record with the relevant provider or bureau and keep a reference number. Being able to apply for credit again does not guarantee approval or an instant credit-score increase.

Read about credit during and after debt review, revisit how debt review works, or contact DRC's registered debt counsellors about the documents needed for your next step.

Further source

The NCR's consumer explanation covers clearance and the distinction between vehicle finance and home loans.

Keep your completion records together

Keep the application and notices, any court or tribunal order, recent statements, settlement confirmations and your clearance certificate when issued. Ask your counsellor which documents are still needed for your legal stage. Then check how your credit record reflects completion. The repayment duration guide explains how to follow progress before that point.