If mounting payments, creditor calls and rising interest feel overwhelming, debt counselling (also called debt review) is a regulated route that helps over-indebted South Africans regain control. DebtLift provides practical, ethical debt counselling services that guide you through the process and help you rebuild your financial footing.
What is debt counselling?
Debt counselling is a legal, regulated process designed to help people who can no longer comfortably meet their monthly debt obligations. A registered debt counsellor assesses your finances, negotiates with creditors, and proposes a restructured repayment plan that makes your monthly payments affordable while protecting you from legal action during the process. Standard Bank
Who can apply?
Anyone who can show that their debt repayments are no longer affordable relative to their income can be assessed for debt counselling. This includes employees, self-employed people and pensioners with a steady income. DebtLift’s first step is a free, confidential assessment to determine whether you are over-indebted and whether debt counselling is the right solution. Standard Bank
How the process works (step-by-step)
- Free assessment: You provide income, expense and debt details. DebtLift reviews these to decide if debt counselling is appropriate.
- Application & notify creditors: If you qualify, we lodge the formal application and notify your credit providers that you are under consideration for debt review.
- Creditors supply statements: Creditors return a Certificate of Balance (statement of the outstanding amount) which the counsellor uses to prepare a repayment proposal.
- Proposal & negotiation: The counsellor negotiates with creditors to lower interest, extend terms or freeze penalties so a single, affordable monthly instalment can be proposed.
- Payment distribution: Once a plan is agreed, your consolidated monthly payment is paid to a registered Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which distributes funds to creditors on your behalf.
- Monitoring & completion: The counsellor monitors your progress and, when all debts are repaid according to the plan, helps obtain a clearance certificate to update your credit record. Standard Bank
These steps ensure the process is legal, transparent and structured so you can repay without losing essential assets. Standard Bank
Key protections and limitations
- Legal protection from creditor action: Once the debt review application is lodged and the process is under way, creditors should not pursue new legal action or repossession for debts covered by the plan (provided no legal action had already started). This breathing room is one of the most valuable aspects of debt counselling.
- No new credit while under review: You generally cannot obtain additional credit while under debt review; this prevents further over-commitment of your finances.
- Your credit record: Debt review will be recorded on your credit profile while the process runs, but once you complete the plan and receive your clearance certificate, your record can be restored. Standard Bank
Costs and who handles payments
Debt counselling involves regulated fees that cover assessment, administration, negotiation, possible legal work and ongoing aftercare. A PDA handles the consolidated monthly payment and deducts agreed fees for distribution and administration. DebtLift provides a transparent fee schedule during the initial assessment so there are no surprises. (For a detailed cost breakdown, ask us for a written fee schedule.) Standard Bank
How DebtLift helps — our promise
- NCR-registered counsellors: We operate in full compliance with the National Credit Act and use registered processes.
- Clear, written proposals: Every plan includes an itemised breakdown of repayments and fees so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
- Support through the process: We negotiate with creditors, liaise with the PDA and provide ongoing support until you receive your clearance certificate.
- Education & budgeting help: Beyond restructuring, we help you build a sustainable budget so you don’t fall back into the same traps.
When debt counselling is the right choice
Debt counselling is suited to people who:
- are regularly missing payments on multiple accounts;
- rely on new credit to meet existing repayments;
- are receiving creditor threats or summonses;
- find that most of their disposable income goes to servicing debt; or
- cannot make an emergency payment without borrowing more.
If this sounds like your situation, a free assessment with DebtLift will clarify your options. Standard Bank
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will I lose my house or car if I enter debt counselling?
A: Debt counselling aims to protect essential assets. As long as legal action hasn’t already been concluded, the process provides protection while the restructured plan runs. Standard Bank
Q: How long does debt counselling take?
A: Typical plans last from several years (commonly 36–60 months), depending on your debt level and the agreed repayment schedule.
Q: Can I exit debt review early?
A: Yes. If your finances improve and you can settle your debts earlier, the counsellor assists with finalisation and obtaining a clearance certificate.
Q: How do I verify a counsellor is legitimate?
A: Always check the counsellor’s registration with the National Credit Regulator and request a clear written fee schedule and contract documentation before agreeing to any plan. Standard Bank
Q: Will debt counselling ruin my credit permanently?
A: Debt review is recorded while the plan is active, but completing the process and getting a clearance certificate allows you to rebuild your credit profile responsibly. Standard Bank
Ready to take the first step?
Debt counselling is a serious but effective option for regaining control — and you don’t have to do it alone. DebtLift offers a free, confidential assessment and transparent guidance tailored to your circumstances. Contact DebtLift today for a no-obligation review and find out whether debt counselling is right for you.
