Debt Review Centre Logo

    Your debt assessment checklist

    Use these questions when speaking to DRC or another debt counsellor. You can print the checklist or save it as a PDF. It asks for no personal information and does not start an application.

    Your monthly picture

    • Take-home household income, including any reliable additional income.
    • Necessary living costs such as rent, food, utilities, transport and medical expenses.
    • Each credit account, its balance, instalment and any arrears.
    • Any existing debt review arrangement, administration order or legal notice.

    Check the person helping you

    • What is your name and NCR registration number?
    • Can I verify those details in the official register?
    • Who will be my contact during the assessment and the repayment plan?
    • How can I raise a concern or contact the National Credit Regulator?

    Ask for the complete price

    • Which part of this service is free, and when does a formal application begin?
    • What are the application, administration, restructuring, aftercare and legal charges?
    • Is VAT included? What payment distribution fees apply?
    • When is each fee paid and how much reaches each creditor?
    • Are any insurance or other products optional? What do they cost separately?

    Understand the commitment

    • Why is this option suitable for my circumstances? What alternatives were considered?
    • What restrictions apply to new credit?
    • What can happen if my income changes or I miss a payment?
    • What are the proposed term and total repayment cost, including fees?
    • What must happen before I can leave the process or receive a clearance certificate?

    Keep copies before you decide

    • The written fee disclosure and proposed payment schedule.
    • Your application and any permissions you have given.
    • The counsellor’s contact details and process for updates.
    • Documents explaining what happens next and what you are agreeing to.

    Make an informed next step

    Learn how debt review works, meet DRC's debt counsellors or read the fee guide. Bring any legal notice to a qualified adviser promptly.

    Sources and reuse

    Prepared by Debt Review Centre, September 2026. This is a preparation aid, not a personalised recommendation or a finding that you qualify. Verify registration with the NCR register and read the NCR's considerations before debt counselling.

    Employers and community organisations may share or print this checklist with the DRC credit and source links intact. Please link to this page so readers can find the current version. Contact info@debtreviewcentre.co.za about other uses.