You have decided that debt review is right for you. Now what? The process is simpler than most people expect. This guide walks you through every step — from the 60-second initial assessment to receiving your reduced monthly payment. No jargon, no surprises.
Before You Apply — Checklist
Confirm you are over-indebted
If your total debt repayments (excluding bond) exceed 40% of your net income, or if you cannot cover both debt and living expenses, you likely qualify. Use our debt review calculator for a quick check.
Gather your documents
SA ID document, last 3 payslips, last 3 months bank statements, a list of all debts (creditor name, account number, balance, monthly payment), and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
Choose an NCR-registered debt counsellor
This is critical. Verify your counsellor's NCR registration number on the NCR website (www.ncr.org.za). Check Google reviews and HelloPeter ratings. A legitimate counsellor will never ask for upfront payment before you sign. Read our guide on choosing a trustworthy debt counsellor.
Do NOT stop paying your creditors yet
Keep making payments (even partial) until your debt counsellor officially notifies your creditors. Stopping payments before notification can trigger legal action that complicates the process.
The Application Process — Step by Step
Free assessment (60 seconds)
Contact DS4U via WhatsApp, phone, or our online form. A consultant reviews your basic financial information — income, total debt, and number of creditors — and tells you immediately whether you qualify. This is free, confidential, and creates no obligation.
Full financial assessment (1-2 days)
Your debt counsellor reviews your complete financial picture: all debts, income sources, and essential living expenses. They calculate your disposable income — the amount available for debt repayments after essentials. This determines your restructured monthly payment.
Form 17.1 notification (Day 1-5)
Your debt counsellor sends a Form 17.1 to all your creditors and the credit bureaus, officially notifying them that you have applied for debt review. From this moment, creditors must stop all collection activity — no more calls, no legal action, no repossession while the process is underway.
Creditor negotiations (Day 5-30)
Your debt counsellor negotiates with each creditor individually to reduce interest rates (typically from 14-27% down to 0-5%) and extend repayment terms. The goal is to create one consolidated payment that fits your budget. Most negotiations are completed within 30 days.
Court order or consent (Day 30-60)
The restructured repayment plan is either filed at the Magistrate's Court (becoming a legally binding order) or agreed to by creditors via consent. Once formalised, creditors MUST accept the reduced payments and cannot take further legal action.
Start your new payment
You begin making one consolidated monthly payment to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which splits it among all your creditors according to the plan. One debit order replaces 6-10 separate payments. The monthly amount is typically 30-50% less than what you were paying before.
What Debt Review Costs
Debt review fees are regulated by the NCA and cannot be inflated by your debt counsellor:
| Fee | Amount (2026) | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | R50 | Once, at application |
| Restructuring fee | R8,000 (max) | Spread over first payments |
| Aftercare fee | 5% of monthly payment (max R450) | Monthly, included in payment |
| PDA fee | R29.50 | Monthly, included in payment |
| Legal fees (court order) | Varies (R500-R2,000) | Once, included in payment |
Key point: All fees are included in your reduced monthly payment — you do not pay anything extra out of pocket. And the interest savings (from 14-27% down to 0-5%) almost always exceed the total fees within the first few months. A client saving R5,000/month on interest pays R450/month in aftercare — a net saving of R4,550/month.
After You Apply — What Changes
- Creditor calls stop — from the moment the Form 17.1 is received.
- Legal action is frozen — no summons, no garnishee orders, no repossession.
- Credit facilities are frozen — no credit cards, store accounts, or overdraft use.
- One payment replaces many — simpler budgeting, less mental load.
- Your assets are protected — your car and your house are safe while you are making payments.
For the complete process, read our detailed debt review process guide. To see the pros and cons, or to understand when debt review is the right choice, explore our knowledge base.
Reviewed by a registered debt counsellor, NCRDC2423
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to apply for debt review?
The initial assessment takes 60 seconds via WhatsApp or phone call. Gathering your documents and completing the formal application takes 1-3 days. Your debt counsellor sends the Form 17.1 to creditors within 5 business days of your application. Creditor contact and legal action stops from this point. The full restructured plan is typically finalised within 30-60 days.
What documents do I need to apply?
Your South African ID, latest payslip (3 months preferred), bank statements (3 months), a list of all your debts with account numbers, proof of address, and details of your monthly living expenses. Your debt counsellor will guide you through exactly what is needed — you do not need to have everything ready before making contact.
Does applying for debt review cost money upfront?
No. The initial assessment is free. Debt review fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator and are included in your restructured monthly payment — you do not pay anything additional out of pocket. The application fee, restructuring fee, and ongoing aftercare fee are all deducted from your consolidated payment, not charged separately.
Can I be declined for debt review?
Technically yes, but it is rare. You must be over-indebted (debt payments exceed what you can reasonably afford), have a regular income source, and not have judgements on debts you want to include. If you meet these criteria — and most people who seek debt review do — your application will be accepted.
What happens to my credit cards and store accounts when I apply?
All credit facilities are frozen immediately. You cannot use credit cards, store accounts, or your overdraft while under debt review. Existing balances are included in your restructured plan at reduced interest rates. This restriction is actually a protection — it prevents you from accumulating more debt while paying off what you already owe.
