What is Debt Review Removal?
Debt review removal is the formal process of clearing the debt review flag from your credit profile once you meet the conditions in Section 71 of the National Credit Act (NCA). Your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 (Clearance Certificate) and notifies the credit bureaus to update your status. This is the official way to remove debt review, no shortcuts, quick “database wipes,” or paid tricks are needed when you qualify
Debt review removal is a specific process that involves a debt counsellor issuing a clearance certificate to a consumer who has completed paying off their debts listed under debt review. Once your obligations are met, your debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate officially confirming your completion of the program. According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) debt review guidelines, this situation qualifies a consumer for removal from debt review. Below, we explain other qualifying instances in detail.
The issuing of a debt review clearance certificate (Form 19) in this instance signals the end of a successful debt review process. In terms of the National Credit Act, a debt counsellor must issue the clearance certificate when the consumer has paid off all accounts under debt review. Only a registered debt counsellor can do this because he/she has access to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) Debt Help System. The NCR Debt Help System is a database that lists all the people who have applied for debt review, shows the status of their application, and is linked to the credit bureaus.
How do I know if I qualify for debt review removal?
Before you approach anyone for debt review removal, there are essential things you need to understand. In terms of debt review guidelines, debt review removal or clearing your name from debt review can only be done in the following instances:
- If a consumer has withdrawn from debt review before issuing Form 17.2 (before being declared over-indebted).
- When the consumer has settled all debt obligations and a clearance certificate has been issued (Section 71 (2) (b) (i) of the National Credit Act, 2005). Note that this should not be costly as it is a straightforward process, no attorney is involved, and no court process is involved.
- If one has been under debt review and their circumstances have changed, i.e. when their income has increased considerably and you are no longer over-indebted. Through the debt counsellor, the consumer has to prove their income and expenditure, i.e. household budget. Note that this is only possible if the consumer does not have a court order. Detailed reasons as to how the consumer is now in a position to meet the contractual terms of the initial credit agreements and how the Consumer is now able to afford to pay the contractual instalments with in respect of the remaining debt.
- It is important to note that if there is a court order under debt review in place, it is no longer possible to approach the courts to rescind the order because the law has changed this. On 3 September 2019, the Johannesburg High Court delivered a judgment that changed the law, in this instance, it is no longer possible for one to exit debt review.
Can You Exit Debt Review Early?
An “early exit” is only realistic if you have:
Settled your re-arranged debts faster than planned (then request Form 19), or
You are no longer over-indebted and pursue a lawful court variation.
If you’re still over-indebted, don’t cancel the process since collections can resume and costs rise. Rather focus on accelerated repayments or settlements within your plan. It is important to also understand what happens if debt review is terminated?
How Long Does It Take to Be Cleared from Debt Review?
At Debt Sage we assist consumers with debt review removal, i.e. to clear your name from debt review. We can issue a clearance certificate and remove the debt review flag from the credit bureaus in 21 days maximum. That is how long it takes for one's name to be cleared from debt review after paying off their accounts and we have issued a clearance certificate.
The exact timeframe depends on how quickly the credit bureaus remove the flag after we send a certified Form 19, which is the clearance certificate, to all credit bureaus with paid-up letters attached.
Timelines vary by:
How quickly the debt counsellor issues and sends Form 19 to credit bureaus
Credit bureaus processing queues and monthly update cycles
Whether any account shows outstanding or mismatched balances
In South Africa, we have 3 leading credit bureaus:
- Transunion - https://www.transunion.co.za
- Experian - https://www.experian.co.za
- XDS - https://www.xds.co.za
The Debt Review Removal Process
Here is a step-by-step guide for the debt review removal process.
- Complete the debt review removal application form;
- An assessment is conducted by first pulling up your credit report to confirm the number of agreements or accounts that one has open;
- Obtain confirmation from credit providers in the form of paid-up/ prescribed letters. (If you have paid-up/ prescribed letter please forward them;
- Update your status on NCR DHS to F2 status;
- Generate Form 19;
- Send Form 19 to all the credit providers;
- Certify Form 19;
- Send certified Form 19 to all credit bureaus with paid-up letters attached.
We would need paid-up letters for all the accounts under debt review. If we do not send paid-up letters to credit bureaus with the clearance certificate, they will not remove your debt review status from their records.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove Debt Review Status?
Since the process of removing a consumer from debt review is straightforward, Debt Sage offers this service for just R3000 (excluding VAT) for administrative processes that is if all paid-up letters from your creditors are in order.
If we have to go to court, we charge a little more. Payment terms can be arranged.
Is “free debt review removal” real?
No. Free debt review removal does not exist. You can’t remove debt review for free, and you can’t “cancel” or erase debt without settling what’s owed or following the lawful process. Anyone promising free or instant removal is likely a scam. On the other hand this does not mean that you must pay lot of more to get this service.
Can I cancel debt review without paying?
No. If you’re still over-indebted, you must complete the plan or pursue a lawful court/NCT route. The legitimate exit for most people is to finish repayments and obtain a Form 19 from your registered debt counsellor.
What if I don’t have paid-up letters?
You can still get debt review removal. It may cost more and take longer because your counsellor must secure paid-up/settlement letters or updated confirmations and then submit your Form 19 to the credit bureaus. We charge a small fee (R250) to collect the paid-up letters on your behalf from the credit providers.
Clearing your Name from Debt Review Delays and How to Fix Them
If the debt review flag is still showing after 21 working days, try to do the following:
Confirm dispatch: Ask your debt counsellor to re-send Form 19 to all bureaus and share the proof.
Log disputes: Open a credit report dispute with each bureau, attach Form 19, your ID, and paid up letters. It is well within your rights to log disputes with the credit bureaus. It is important to keep records such as emails, tickets, and reference numbers handy if you need to escalate further.
Check for stragglers: Some smaller store/ retail accounts or little known loan provider may still show a balance. Get the paid up letter and resend to your debt counsellor.
Escalate politely: Request a written update timeline from the credit bureaus and copy your debt counsellor.
Can I Apply for Credit Immediately After Debt Review Removal?
Once the credit bureaus are informed that you have finished paying off your debt and have updated the debt review flag on your credit profile, you can apply for credit. This update process typically takes about 21 business days. After this period, you can re-enter the credit market with the new mindset and skills that your Debt Sage debt counsellor would've helped you develop.
How Debt Sage Can Help With Your Credit Bureau Information?
If you feel uncertain about your information with credit bureaus, we can assist in the following ways:
- Obtaining your credit report and helping you study and understand the information listed on your credit report;
- Negotiating repayments to settle outstanding debts to have the information removed;
- Identifying information that qualifies for removal from your credit report, for example, in the event of the debt that has been prescribed in terms of the Prescription Act 68 of 1969;
- Identify information that does not qualify for removal and advise what can be done to remove this information from your credit reports.
For the most accurate assessment of your specific situation, consult with a Debt Sage registered debt counsellor who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.
Expanded FAQs
Can l remove debt review myself?
You can’t remove yourself from debt review without following the legal route.
If you’ve settled all debts included in the debt review, your debt counsellor issues a Form 19 clearance certificate, that’s the proper way to exit.
If your debt review is under a court order and you haven’t settled everything, you’d need to apply to court to rescind the order and prove you’re no longer over-indebted.
Anything outside these routes won’t lawfully remove the debt review status.
Can I remove the debt review flag without Form 19?
Only via a lawful court order that changes or rescinds your arrangement. Anyone offering removal without these is not following the law.
Can I get a loan under debt review?
No. While you’re under debt review, credit providers may not grant you new credit. This protection is temporary and it helps you stick to one affordable repayment and finish the process. Once you complete debt review and receive your Form 19 (clearance certificate), the debt-review flag is removed and you can apply for credit again usually in a stronger position thanks to a cleaner budget and lower debt. Watch out: Anyone offering you a new loan while you’re under review is not following the rules. Taking such credit can put your plan and your legal protections at risk. Learn more about the steps to finish and exit: Read the debt review process guide. Read about the debt review process here.
What if one creditor still shows a balance?
Get a paid up letter, then ask your debt counsellor to re-send the full pack to the credit bureaus. You can also attach it to your credit bureau dispute.
Do I need to pay to remove debt review?
Credit bureaus don’t charge to update your status when they receive Form 19. Your debt counsellor may charge an admin fee for issuing the certificate and notices.
Will my credit score improve immediately?
Your score won’t jump overnight, but it usually improves over the next 1–3 reporting cycles as the flag falls off and you maintain clean behaviour. Read this blog post to find out how to boost your credit score.
Conclusion
You're only eligible for a clearance certificate after fully repaying all debts included in your debt review. The debt counsellor must issue the clearance certificate (Form 19) within 7 working days of your final payment. Credit bureaus should update your status within 21 business days after receiving the clearance certificate. The process is straightforward when you have paid up all the accounts under debt review, and the costs are significantly lower than attempting early withdrawal from debt review through court applications. If you believe you qualify for a clearance certificate, contact Debt Sage directly to initiate the process.