How Long Does Debt Review Take in South Africa? A Complete Timeline

Debt Review | Apr 12, 2025 | 7 min read | By NCA Team

One of the most common questions we receive is: *'How long will I be under debt review?'* The short answer is typically **36 to 60 months (3 to 5 years)**, but the reality depends on your specific financial situation. Let's break down the timeline step-by-step.

### Phase 1: Application & Assessment (Weeks 1-2) The process begins when you contact a registered debt counsellor. You'll submit Form 16 and provide details about your income, expenses, and debts. The counsellor will then notify your creditors and the credit bureaus that you have applied for debt review. This immediately flags your credit profile, preventing you from taking out further credit.

### Phase 2: Negotiation & Court Order (Months 1-3) Your debt counsellor will calculate a new, affordable repayment plan and negotiate with your creditors. Once accepted, this plan is made an order of the court or the National Consumer Tribunal. This legal step is crucial as it formalizes the agreement and protects your assets from repossession. Learn more about your rights in The National Credit Act.

### Phase 3: Repayment (Months 4-60) This is the longest phase. You will make a single monthly payment to a Payment Distribution Agency (PDA), which then distributes the funds to your creditors. During this time, you must stick to the plan. If your financial situation improves, you can increase your payments to finish sooner.

### Phase 4: Clearance Certificate (The Finish Line) Once all your short-term debts are paid in full (and your bond payments are up to date), your debt counsellor will issue a **Clearance Certificate (Form 19)**. This certificate is sent to all credit bureaus, who must then remove the 'debt review' flag from your profile within 7 days. You are now debt-free and can re-enter the credit market with a clean slate.

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