Question 1

What is debt counselling?

Accepted Answer

Debt counselling (also known as debt review) is a legal process regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) that helps over-indebted South Africans restructure their debt repayments. It consolidates all your debts into one affordable monthly payment while providing legal protection from creditors.

Question 2

How do I know if I need debt counselling?

Accepted Answer

You may benefit from debt counselling if you're struggling to meet monthly debt payments, using credit to pay other debts, receiving calls from creditors, or spending more than 40% of your income on debt repayments. Our free Money Map calculator can help assess your situation.

Question 3

What does DCSA offer?

Accepted Answer

DCSA offers two main services: Debt Counselling (Debt Review) to restructure your debt into one affordable payment with legal protection, and Credit Repair to help you understand and improve your credit score. We provide compassionate, judgment-free support with free consultations.

Question 4

How long does the debt review process take?

Accepted Answer

You get IMMEDIATE relief and legal protection from day one - no waiting period. The initial application and assessment take 1-2 weeks, and court finalization varies by case. The full debt review continues until your debts are paid off, typically 3-5 years depending on your repayment plan.

Question 5

Will debt counselling affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

While under debt review, your credit report will show you're under debt counselling. However, this protects you from further negative marks. Once completed successfully, this status is removed and you can rebuild your credit with our credit repair guidance.

Question 6

How much does debt counselling cost?

Accepted Answer

NCR-regulated fees: R50 application fee, R300-R350 admin fee, restructuring fee (your 1st month payment OR max R8,000 whichever is less), then 5% monthly aftercare fee (capped at R400-R450). After 24 months, aftercare reduces to 3%. Your first consultation is completely FREE.

Question 7

Can I get credit while under debt review?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot apply for or receive new credit while under debt review. This is actually a benefit as it prevents you from accumulating more debt while you're working to become debt-free.

Question 8

Is DCSA registered with the NCR?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DCSA is fully registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) under registration number NCRDC3995. You can verify our registration on the NCR website.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

General Questions

Debt Counselling (Debt Review)

Credit Repair

Process & Practical Information

Didn't Find Your Answer?

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

General Questions

What is DCSA and what do you offer?

Who can benefit from DCSA's services?

How do I get started with DCSA?

Debt Counselling (Debt Review)

What is debt counselling?

How long does the debt review process take?

How much does debt counselling cost?

How do I know if I need debt counselling?

Will debt counselling affect my credit score?

Can I get credit while under debt review?

What protection does debt counselling provide?

Credit Repair

What is credit repair and how does it work?

How long does credit repair take?

Can you guarantee my credit score will improve?

Process & Practical Information

Is DCSA registered with the NCR?

What documents do I need to apply?

Do you offer online consultations?

Does my spouse need to be included in debt counselling?

Can I withdraw from debt counselling?

Didn't Find Your Answer?