Long answer:
Most South Africans complete debt review in 36–60 months (±3–5 years)—but your timeline depends on debt size, negotiated interest, court/tribunal scheduling, and how consistently you pay (or settle early with lump sums). The process formally kicks off when your counsellor accepts your application and sends Form 17.1 notices within five business days, then stabilises after the court/tribunal order—from there you make one monthly payment via a Payment Distribution Agent (PDA) until you qualify for a Clearance Certificate (Form 19).
What determines your timeline?
Total balance & interest rates
Bigger balances and higher interest stretch the term; negotiated concessions and court-confirmed terms shorten it. Expect most plans to be structured for 3–5 years by default.Court/tribunal scheduling
Your plan becomes binding once a magistrates’ court or the National Consumer Tribunal grants the order. Queues vary by district, which can nudge timelines.Payment consistency
Paying the single PDA instalment in full and on time keeps interest/principal moving in your favour and prevents delays or termination risks.Lump-sum opportunities
Bonuses, tax refunds, or family help used for targeted settlements can chop months off your term (your counsellor/PDA will route these correctly).Legal status of specific accounts
If a creditor began enforcement before you applied, that agreement may sit outside the plan (Section 86(2)) and require separate handling—sometimes affecting total duration. Apply early to avoid this exclusion.
Step-by-step timeline (what happens and when)
Week 0: Apply (Form 16)
You share income/expense proof and a full account list with a registered debt counsellor (ask for their NCRDC number).
≤5 business days: Form 17.1 notifications go out
Your counsellor must notify all credit providers and the credit bureaux within five business days of accepting your application. This formalises the process while your proposal is prepared.
Weeks 2–8 (varies): Proposal, negotiations & first payment
Your counsellor proposes an affordable instalment; you begin paying one consolidated amount via a PDA, which distributes to each creditor per the plan.
Court/Tribunal confirmation (early months)
When the order is granted, the terms are binding. Collections noise usually settles after this point—assuming you pay on time.
Months 3–60: Repayment phase
Most consumers complete in 3–5 years, depending on balances, concessions, and whether you add settlements on top of monthly payments.
Finish line: Clearance Certificate (Form 19)
When you’ve satisfied the order (or you’re on the mortgage-only route and can afford it going forward), your counsellor must issue Clearance Certificate (Form 19) and notify credit bureaux; this removes the debt-review flag. The law obliges the counsellor to issue/file within seven days of eligibility and to file the certificate with the national register and all bureaux within seven days of issuing.
Admin timing: Credit bureau updates typically reflect within several business weeks—always pull your reports to confirm.
How to finish faster (without risking the plan)
Automate “payday +1”. Fewer late/short pays = fewer delays.
Use windfalls strategically. Pay down smallest balances or highest rates for the biggest timeline impact.
Ask about interest concessions. Your counsellor negotiates these; once the order is in place, consistency helps keep concessions intact.
Keep excluded obligations current. Municipal/tax/maintenance aren’t usually in the order—budget for them to avoid shocks that derail payments.
Report changes early. If income drops or expenses rise, ask for a variation—it’s safer than slipping into arrears.
What can delay or derail the process?
Missed or short payments → risk of Section 86(10) termination after statutory timelines (creditor may resume enforcement). If you hit trouble, call your counsellor immediately to arrange a catch-up or variation. Read more
Court backlogs → can slow the order. Your counsellor manages filings; you focus on paying via the PDA as agreed.
Pre-application legal action (s86(2)) → certain accounts may sit outside the plan, increasing complexity. Apply early. Read more
What is a PDA—and why it matters for timing?
A Payment Distribution Agent (PDA) is a regulated entity that collects your single monthly instalment and pays each creditor per the court/tribunal order. PDAs improve accuracy and predictability (fewer disputes about who got paid and when), which keeps your plan on track.
When are you officially done?
You’re “done” when you qualify for and receive a Clearance Certificate (Form 19). The counsellor issues it within seven days once the legal criteria are met and files it within seven days with the national register and all registered credit bureaux; the debt-review flag is then expunged. If a counsellor fails to issue or a bureau doesn’t update, there are established remedies (NCT/NCR complaint routes).
Typical completion window at a glance
| Factor | Faster timeline | Slower timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Debt size & rates | Lower balances, concessions achieved | Higher balances, limited concessions |
| Payments | On-time full instalments + ad-hoc settlements | Irregular or short payments |
| Legal/admin | Quick court slot; clean distributions via PDA | Court backlog; distribution disputes |
| Account status | No pre-application enforcement | Some accounts excluded under s86(2) |
| Finish line | Paid-ups ready → Form 19 issued & filed in 7 days | Delays obtaining paid-ups; missing documents |
FAQs
How soon after applying do things calm down?
After Form 17.1 (≤5 business days) and once the order is granted, collection pressure typically eases—provided you pay on time.
Can I finish in under 36 months?
Yes—if your instalment is strong and/or you add settlements, you can finish much sooner. (Your counsellor will confirm no penalties impact your plan.)
What happens if I default during review?
Repeated non-payment can trigger s86(10) termination (after the statutory window), allowing creditors to enforce original terms. Speak to your counsellor before a miss.
Who removes the “under debt review” flag?
Your debt counsellor—by issuing Form 19 and filing it to the national register and all bureaux within seven days; bureaus then update records.
Call to action
Want a realistic timeline (and how to shorten it)? Share your last 3 bank statements, payslip, and a list of accounts. We’ll model a 36–60-month base plan, show how one or two settlements change the finish date, and map your path to Form 19.