Debt Review guides
Debt Review, explained step by step
Clear answers for every stage, from checking whether you qualify to finishing your plan. Pick the stage you are at and start reading.
40plain-language guides
7topics to explore
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Before you apply
Check whether Debt Review fits your situation and compare the alternatives.
7 guidesHow Debt Review works- Who qualifies for Debt Review?The income, expenses and commitments a counsellor needs to assess.
- Is Debt Review worth it?Weigh the benefits, restrictions and responsibilities before deciding.
- Debt Review, consolidation or administration?Compare what each route involves and the questions to ask about cost.
- Debt Review and sequestrationUnderstand why these options need different assessments.
- Common Debt Review misconceptionsRead answers to common worries about the process.
- Borrowing to pay existing debtRecognise the borrowing cycle and consider your next step.
- How to choose a debt counsellorUse the register, ask questions and compare the support offered.
Fees, interest and repayments
Understand a quote and the difference between a lower payment and a lower total cost.
3 guidesSpeak to a registered debt counsellorCreditors and legal notices
Understand collection stages, your responsibilities and when to ask for help.
9 guidesHow Debt Review works- How the debt collection process worksUnderstand notices, summonses and later collection stages.
- How repossession worksRead about repossession, voluntary surrender and the documents involved.
- Debt Review and repossessionUnderstand why the stage of an account matters when asking for help.
- Creditors during Debt ReviewRead about creditor conduct and your responsibilities under a plan.
- Debt Review and legal protectionUnderstand the steps to discuss when legal action is a concern.
- Garnishee orders and salary deductionsLearn about the legal documents involved in debt collection.
- Reckless credit allegationsRead about the assessment of lending and a case described by DRC.
- Signing personal suretyUnderstand the commitment before guaranteeing another person's debt.
- National Credit Act amendments in 2014A historical article about changes to credit legislation.
Not sure which guide you need?
A registered debt counsellor can look at your figures and explain your options. The assessment is free.
While you are under Debt Review
Find guidance on payment problems, emergencies, work and family circumstances.
7 guidesSpeak to a registered debt counsellor- Can you get a loan during Debt Review?Understand credit restrictions, emergency needs and borrowing after clearance.
- Need money urgently during Debt Review?Prepare an action plan for an unexpected shortfall.
- An emergency during Debt ReviewWhat to prepare and discuss when your circumstances change.
- Can you pause a Debt Review payment?Understand why a missed payment needs attention before you skip it.
- Managing debt after retrenchmentStart with your budget, documents and conversations with creditors.
- Debt Review and your jobRead about employment questions to discuss before applying.
- Debt Review and marriagePrepare questions about household finances and your marriage contract.
Completing Debt Review
Understand the repayment term, clearance and the next steps for your credit record.
4 guidesHow Debt Review works- Completing or leaving Debt ReviewFind out why your legal stage and supporting documents matter.
- How long does Debt Review take?Understand what can change the length of a repayment plan.
- Your credit record after Debt ReviewRead about checking your record after completing the process.
- Understanding the 2014 credit amnestyA historical explanation of credit information amnesty.
Budgeting and paying off debt
Plan household spending, compare repayment methods and prepare for unexpected costs.
6 guidesHelp with your household budget- Build a household budget in five stepsList your income, spending and debts, then check the plan each month.
- Paying off debt yourselfPrepare a budget and choose a repayment order you can maintain.
- Planning a holiday-season budgetSet aside ordinary expenses before deciding what to spend on celebrations.
- Teaching children about moneyUse everyday decisions to practise spending and saving.
- Borrowing money for someone elseConsider your own liability before taking credit for friends or family.
- Managing fuel costsConsider transport costs as part of your household budget.
From Debt Review Centre
Read client accounts and company news in their original context.
4 guidesAbout Debt Review Centre- A Debt Review repayment exampleRead the circumstances and repayment figures described in this case.
- A client's interest-rate exampleRead the account-by-account rates and figures described by DRC.
- A creditor write-off caseRead this individual account in its original circumstances.
- DRC Cares: Adelaide drought reliefCompany news about a community assistance project.
