Tools to understand your debt options

Debt review (also called debt counselling) is a legal process under the National Credit Act that helps over-indebted consumers restructure repayments, gain protection from legal action, and work toward becoming debt free with a registered debt counsellor.

Once you are under debt review and the process is correctly managed, credit providers are generally restricted from enforcing certain legal action. Your counsellor works to keep essential assets protected while negotiating affordable repayments.

Reductions vary by income, expenses and credit agreements. Many clients see meaningful relief once interest, fees and repayment terms are renegotiated into a single affordable distribution plan.

No. Debt consolidation usually replaces debts with a new loan. Debt review is a regulated NCA process that restructures existing credit with legal protections and oversight by a registered debt counsellor.

Timelines depend on your debt levels and repayment ability. Many consumers complete the process over several years, with clear milestones along the way. Your counsellor will outline a realistic plan during assessment.

You may qualify if you are over-indebted — meaning your income is insufficient to meet all your credit obligations after reasonable living expenses. A free assessment confirms eligibility.