Immediate debt relief starts with the right assessment
If your debts no longer fit your monthly budget, you do not need to guess your way forward. Speak to an NCR-registered debt counsellor about your income, essential living costs and credit agreements. If you are over-indebted, debt review may offer a regulated path to a more affordable repayment plan.
The first assessment is confidential. It does not promise approval, instant debt cancellation or a guaranteed reduction.
What immediate help really means
“Immediate” means you can start the assessment now, get a clear view of your position and understand the next lawful step. Debt review is a formal process. It does not erase debt, stop interest automatically or guarantee a specific saving or completion date.
You will receive an individual assessment based on your real income, essential expenses and debts. If another route is more suitable, the debt counsellor should explain that clearly.
When to ask for help
Ask for an assessment if your monthly debt instalments leave too little for food, transport, housing and other essentials; if you borrow to pay existing debt; if you skip one account to pay another; or if you expect that you will soon be unable to keep up.
How the process works
1. Start with a confidential assessment
Share accurate details of your income, household costs and credit agreements. The debt counsellor assesses whether you appear to be over-indebted and explains the available options.
2. Understand the outcome before you proceed
You should be told whether debt review appears suitable, what it includes, what it costs and what your responsibilities will be. An assessment does not automatically place you under debt review.
3. Begin the formal process only if it fits
If debt review is suitable and you choose to proceed, the registered debt counsellor starts the formal application, notifies the relevant parties and prepares a proposed repayment arrangement based on affordability.
4. Follow the agreed plan
Keep making the required payments and stay in contact with your debt counsellor. The process continues until the legal requirements for a clearance certificate are met.
What debt review may help with
A registered debt counsellor can assess affordability, help build a realistic household budget, engage credit providers and propose a restructured repayment plan through the process set out in the National Credit Act.
What debt review cannot promise
Debt review cannot cancel valid debt, guarantee that every creditor call or enforcement step stops immediately, promise a fixed payment reduction, promise a fixed repayment period or allow new credit while you remain under debt counselling.
Important protection note
Debt review can provide protection against certain credit-enforcement action when the legal requirements are met and the repayment arrangement is maintained. It is not a blanket promise that every existing action stops immediately. Tell the debt counsellor at once if you have received a section 129 notice, summons, court papers or repossession notice so the status of each account can be assessed.
Who may qualify
Debt review is intended for consumers who are over-indebted and have enough regular income to support a sustainable repayment proposal. If you are married in community of property, the application normally needs to be made jointly. The assessment decides whether the process is suitable for your circumstances.
Costs
The initial DRC assessment is free. If you choose to proceed with debt counselling, regulated fees and possible legal costs apply. These costs must be explained before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is immediate debt relief the same as debt review?
This page helps people who need urgent debt help. The regulated solution may be debt review, but the assessment must determine whether debt review or another lawful option fits your circumstances.
How quickly can I get help?
You can request an assessment now. The time needed for notices, proposals and any court or tribunal process depends on your accounts and circumstances. Do not rely on a promise of instant legal protection.
Will creditor calls stop immediately?
Do not assume that every call or legal step will stop as soon as you submit a form. The effect of debt review depends on the formal process and the status of each credit agreement. Your debt counsellor should explain what applies to you.
What if I have already received legal papers?
Tell the debt counsellor immediately and provide the documents. Accounts on which enforcement has already started may be treated differently, and you may also need independent legal advice.
Can I take new credit while under debt counselling?
No. Consumers under debt counselling cannot obtain further credit until they have met the applicable requirements and received a clearance certificate.
Does debt review write off my debt?
No. Debt review restructures repayment; it does not automatically cancel valid debt or stop interest.
How much will my payment fall?
There is no honest fixed percentage. Any proposal depends on your verified income, essential expenses, debt balances, interest, account status and the legal process.
What does debt counselling cost?
The first DRC assessment is free. If you proceed, debt counselling and possible legal fees apply. Ask for the full fee explanation before you sign.
Take the first clear step
You do not need to decide everything today. Start with a confidential assessment and understand the options that apply to your situation.
Hi, I need help understanding my debt relief options. Please contact me about an assessment.