One of the major considerations when considering debt counselling in South Africa is understanding how long debt counselling takes to complete. Debt counselling is a regulated lifeline under the National Credit Act (NCA), designed to help consumers who are over-indebted restructure their obligations into manageable monthly payments. While each person’s situation differs, understanding the timeline can help you commit to the journey with realistic expectations.
From initial assessment to final clearance, the complete debt counselling process typically takes anywhere from two to five years, though individual experiences vary widely. The exact duration depends on your total debt load, income level, and the extent to which you can repay what you owe.
Step 1: Assessment, Notification & Proposal (3–5 Weeks)
Your debt counselling journey begins the moment you reach out to a registered debt counsellor. During your first consultation, the counsellor conducts a thorough review of your income, expenses, and outstanding debts to determine whether you qualify as over-indebted under the NCA. If you’re eligible, your counsellor submits an application (Form 16) on your behalf and immediately notifies all your creditors and the major credit bureaus. This notification triggers crucial legal protections, preventing creditors from taking further legal action against you while your case is being processed. Your creditors respond by issuing Certificates of Balance, which detail the precise amounts you owe. Armed with this information, your counsellor crafts a restructured repayment proposal that consolidates your debts into one affordable monthly payment, adjusted to what you can realistically afford.
Estimated timeframe: Around 3 to 5 weeks in most cases, though this can vary based on how quickly you provide documents and creditors respond.
Step 2: Court or Tribunal Order (4–8 Weeks)
Once your repayment plan is finalised, it must be made legally enforceable. Your debt counsellor submits the proposal to either the Magistrates’ Court or the National Consumer Tribunal for official approval. When the court grants the order, your new payment terms become binding on all parties involved. This court consent order is essential because it compels creditors to accept the restructured plan and ensures your payments are distributed fairly through an accredited Payment Distribution Agency (PDA). The PDA acts as an intermediary, collecting your single monthly payment and allocating it proportionally to each creditor according to the approved plan.
Estimated timeframe: Generally 4 to 8 weeks, depending on court schedules and the current volume of debt review applications.
Step 3: The Repayment Period – How Long You’ll Be in Debt Review (24–60 Months)
This is the heart of the debt counselling process: the period during which you consistently make your restructured monthly payments. For most people, this phase accounts for the majority of their time in debt review and directly affects the overall duration of debt counselling. The standard repayment term is approximately 60 months (5 years), but considerable flexibility is built into the system. If your financial situation improves, you can make additional payments to settle your debts more quickly. Some clients complete the process in as little as 24 months by paying extra whenever possible or by settling specific accounts early.
Throughout this period, your debt counsellor actively monitors your progress, ensuring payments are correctly allocated and your credit record accurately reflects your protected status. This ongoing oversight provides peace of mind that your hard-earned money is going exactly where it should.
Key point: The faster you pay, the sooner you’re free. Every extra payment brings you closer to financial independence and reduces your time under debt review.
Step 4: Completion & Clearance Certificate (1–2 Weeks)
The finish line arrives when you’ve settled your final debt. Your counsellor then issues a Form 19 Clearance Certificate, the official document confirming you’ve completed the debt counselling process. This certificate is distributed to all credit bureaus, which promptly removes the “under debt review” flag from your credit profile. With your clearance certificate in hand, you’re free to apply for credit again (though hopefully with newfound financial wisdom). Your credit score will gradually improve as you continue to demonstrate responsible financial behavior.
Estimated timeframe: Typically 1 to 2 weeks after your final payment is cleared.
The Bottom Line: How Long Does Debt Counselling Take?
Debt counselling isn’t an overnight solution; it’s a deliberate, protected pathway toward regaining control of your finances. While the process typically spans two to five years from start to finish, this structured approach offers something invaluable: a realistic chance to escape the debt trap without facing repossession, legal judgments, or financial ruin.
The timeline is ultimately in your hands. With consistent payments, disciplined budgeting, and some extra contributions when circumstances allow, you can complete the journey sooner than the maximum timeframe. What awaits on the other side is worth the commitment: financial stability, restored creditworthiness, and the freedom of a debt-free life.
Ready to Start Your Debt-Free Journey?
If you’re wondering how long debt counselling will take for your specific situation, the best first step is to speak with a registered debt counsellor, who can assess your unique circumstances. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll complete the process.
Contact us today for a free, confidential debt assessment and take the first step toward financial freedom.