Debt Counselling & Debt Review

Debt Counselling & Debt Review

A structured way to deal with debt you can no longer manage alone.

Debt review is a formal process under the National Credit Act for consumers who are over-indebted. A registered debt counsellor assesses your financial position and, where appropriate, develops a proposal to rearrange repayments so that your essential living expenses and credit obligations can be considered together.

Debt review may be worth assessing if…

  • Your monthly debt repayments leave too little for essential household expenses.
  • You use one account or loan to pay another.
  • You are falling behind, receiving collection calls or missing instalments.
  • Your income has reduced or your expenses have increased significantly.
  • You have several credit agreements and cannot see a realistic way to catch up.

What debt review does-and does not do

It may: Provide a structured affordability assessment; allow a repayment proposal to be developed; combine the consumer’s debt obligations into a coordinated payment arrangement through the applicable process; and provide statutory protection in qualifying circumstances while the consumer complies with the process.

It does not: Erase debt, guarantee that every creditor will accept a proposal, automatically stop legal action that began before the application, or guarantee that an asset can never be repossessed. It also generally prevents a consumer from taking new credit while the debt-review status remains active.

What debt review does-and does not do

It may: Provide a structured affordability assessment; allow a repayment proposal to be developed; combine the consumer’s debt obligations into a coordinated payment arrangement through the applicable process; and provide statutory protection in qualifying circumstances while the consumer complies with the process.

It does not: Erase debt, guarantee that every creditor will accept a proposal, automatically stop legal action that began before the application, or guarantee that an asset can never be repossessed. It also generally prevents a consumer from taking new credit while the debt-review status remains active.

The process

Your path through debt review

Seven structured steps from your first confidential conversation to possible clearance.

Step 1

Initial consultation

We discuss your income, household expenses, accounts and immediate concerns.

Step 2

Application & documents

If you choose to apply, we collect the required information and supporting documents.

Step 3

Financial assessment

A registered debt counsellor considers over-indebtedness and an affordable budget.

Step 4

Notices & account information

Credit providers and credit bureaux are notified, and account information is obtained.

Step 5

Repayment proposal

A proposed rearrangement is prepared and taken through the required consent, tribunal or court process.

Step 6

Payments & ongoing support

Make the agreed payment through the approved channel and contact us if your circumstances change.

Step 7

Completion & clearance

Once the legal requirements are satisfied, a clearance certificate may be issued and the relevant parties notified.

A brighter financial future