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Debt Rescue consolidation plan overview

This is Debt Rescue’s flagship offering: a structured, legally protected repayment plan under debt review that feels a lot like a consolidation solution, but without taking a new loan.

Key spec:

• Service type: Debt counselling / debt review (not a new loan).
• Main purpose: Combine multiple debts into one reduced monthly repayment.
• Legal basis: National Credit Act 34 of 2005, overseen by the National Credit Regulator (NCR).
• Typical client: Over-indebted consumer with steady income and multiple credit agreements.
• Typical term: Around 3–5 years, depending on your debt and budget.

Benefits

• Free personalised debt assessment before you commit.
• Tailor-made “Rescue Plan” based on your real budget.
• Legal protection from listed creditors once your plan is in place.
• One reduced monthly payment instead of many scattered accounts.
• Potential savings on interest and fees through creditor negotiations.
• Dedicated relationship manager and extended support hours.
• A clear end-point: a clearance certificate and a fresh start when your debts are settled.

Why Choose Debt Rescue?

Personal, human support

You’re not just filling in an online form. A consultant listens to your story, understands your responsibilities (kids, rent, transport, family), and builds a plan you can realistically live with – not a “perfect world” budget that breaks in month two.

Long track record in South Africa

With more than 18 years in the industry and over 60,000 clients assisted, Debt Rescue brings experience in dealing with every major bank and retailer, from simple store cards to more complex secured debts.

One affordable payment

By rolling multiple debts into one restructured instalment, they make your month-to-month cash flow easier to manage. You know exactly what goes off, and when – which reduces stress and budgeting mistakes.

Legal protection under the National Credit Act

Once you’re under debt review and your matter is before the court, credit providers on the plan generally cannot sue you or repossess listed assets for those specific debts, as long as you pay according to the order. That gives you breathing room to recover.

NCR-regulated fees and transparent costs

Debt counselling fees are capped by guidelines issued under the National Credit Act and communicated by the NCR. Debt Rescue must follow these rules, and reputable firms explain all fees upfront before you sign anything.

Highest-reviewed debt counsellor positioning

Debt Rescue markets itself as “SA’s Highest Reviewed & Rated Debt Counsellor” and shows strong scores on major platforms, including Trustpilot and local review sites. Reading both positive and critical reviews helps you get a rounded picture of what to expect.

Dedicated relationship manager

You get a single point of contact who knows your file, follows up on queries, and helps you deal with paperwork, creditor communication, and changes in your situation.

Support right through to clearance

They don’t walk away once your plan is in place. The team helps you stay on track, adjust when life happens, and secure your clearance certificate at the end.

Practical money education

You get guidance on budgeting, saving, and using credit wisely after debt review, so you can rebuild instead of slipping back into the same patterns.

Recognised, regulated pathway – not a quick fix

Debt review is written into law and supervised by the NCR and courts. It’s designed to be a serious, structured path out of over-indebtedness, not a “magic wipe-out” that leaves you exposed to scams.

Debt Rescue FAQ

1. What is debt consolidation, and how does it work with Debt Rescue?

Debt consolidation, in simple terms, means taking all your separate debts and turning them into one payment that’s easier to manage. With Debt Rescue, this usually happens through debt review, not by giving you a new loan. They work out what you can realistically afford, speak to your credit providers to reduce instalments and interest where possible, and then you pay one restructured amount every month through a payment distribution system.

2. How is debt review different from taking a consolidation loan?

A consolidation loan is new credit – one big loan that settles all the smaller ones. You still owe the full amount, just to one lender, and you need a good enough credit record to qualify. Debt review, on the other hand, is a legal process under the National Credit Act where a debt counsellor restructures your existing debts without giving you extra credit. It focuses on affordability and legal protection, not on borrowing more.

3. Is debt consolidation the same as debt review?

People often use the terms loosely, but they are not exactly the same. Debt review is the formal legal process created by the National Credit Act to help over-indebted consumers. Debt consolidation is a broader idea – it can mean a consolidation loan or a consolidated payment plan under debt review. Debt Rescue mainly works via debt review and will explain which approach fits your situation.

4. Will using Debt Rescue help me become debt-free faster?

It can, but it depends on your situation. By negotiating lower interest rates and affordable instalments, more of your payment can go toward settling the actual debt rather than just covering interest. If your budget allows you to pay a bit extra once things stabilise, you might finish sooner. On the other hand, stretching the term to make instalments affordable can mean you pay for longer. Debt Rescue will show you both the monthly instalment and the approximate term before you decide.

5. Can Debt Rescue help me if I’m “blacklisted” or have a bad credit record?

Yes. Debt counselling was designed specifically for over-indebted consumers, many of whom already have arrears or impaired credit records. You don’t need a perfect score to apply – what matters is that you’re over-indebted and have some stable income so a realistic plan can be put in place.

6. Who typically qualifies to work with Debt Rescue?

You’re likely to qualify if:

• You live in South Africa.
• You have one or more credit agreements (loans, credit cards, store accounts, etc.).
• You are over-indebted – your monthly debt instalments are more than you can reasonably pay once essentials are covered.
• You have a regular income (salary, pension, or business income) to fund a restructured instalment.

They’ll confirm this during your free assessment and tell you if debt review is appropriate.

7. How do I apply for help with Debt Rescue?

You can apply online, by phone, or via WhatsApp. The first step is a short questionnaire and discussion about your debts and income. They then ask for documents (ID, payslips, bank statements, list of creditors) to complete a full assessment and propose a plan.

8. How long does the debt review process take from start to finish?

The setup phase usually works like this:

• First chat and assessment: 1–3 days.
• Collecting documents and drafting your plan: about 3–7 days.
• Negotiating with creditors and submitting to court: roughly 2–6 weeks, depending on how many creditors you have and how quickly they respond.

Once your court or Tribunal order is granted, you then follow the repayment plan for as long as it takes to finish the debts – for many people this is roughly 3–5 years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on debt levels and affordability.

9. Can I go into debt review if I’m already under debt review with another provider?

If you’re already under debt review with a different counsellor, you normally cannot just “add” consolidation on top. In some cases, you can transfer your file from one debt counsellor to another, but this must be done within the rules of the National Credit Act and NCR guidelines. Debt Rescue can review your situation and explain what is possible before you make any changes.

10. Can I apply for new credit while under debt review with Debt Rescue?

No. While you are under debt review, you are not allowed to take on new credit and credit providers should not lend to you, except in very limited situations. This is a legal requirement aimed at stopping you from sinking deeper into debt while you’re trying to recover.

11. Will my creditors still call me after I sign up?

Once you’re under debt review and your creditors have been notified, collection calls and new legal action on listed debts should reduce sharply and usually stop, as long as you pay according to the proposed or ordered plan. If you still receive calls, you can refer them to your debt counsellor.

12. What happens if I miss a payment under my new plan?

Missing payments can put your legal protection at risk. Credit providers may ask for the debt review to be terminated if you fall behind, which can reopen the door to legal action. If you see trouble coming, you should contact Debt Rescue immediately to discuss options before skipping a payment.

13. Will I still pay interest on my debts under debt review?

Yes, but Debt Rescue will try to negotiate reduced interest rates and fees with your creditors. This can significantly lower the total cost of your debt over time, especially on high-interest products like store cards and credit cards.

14. What happens if I decide to cancel my debt review?

Cancelling mid-process can be risky. Your creditors may revert to original instalments and interest, and any paused legal action could resume. NCR guidelines deal with how and when a consumer can withdraw or be removed from debt review, and it’s important to get proper advice before making that decision.

15. Will I be legally protected from creditors after signing up?

Once you are formally under debt review and your matter is with the court or Tribunal, credit providers included in the application are generally barred from starting or continuing enforcement on those specific debts, as long as you pay as agreed. The court order then cements that protection. This legal “shield” is one of the biggest advantages of debt review.

16. What if a creditor refuses to cooperate with the plan?

Debt Rescue will keep negotiating, and if a creditor will not agree, the matter can still go before the court or Tribunal for a decision. The court looks at your overall situation, the National Credit Act, and fairness to all parties when making an order.

17. What happens after I finish my plan?

When you’ve paid all the debts listed in your plan, Debt Rescue issues a clearance certificate and sends it to all relevant credit bureaus and creditors. Your debt review flag is removed, and you can start rebuilding your credit with fresh habits and a clean slate.

18. How can I avoid falling back into debt again?

The usual advice is simple but powerful:

• Keep a realistic budget and track your spending.
• Build a small emergency fund, even if you start with R100 a month.
• Use credit sparingly and only for things you can comfortably afford to repay.
• Review your finances at least once a year to catch problems early.

Debt Rescue’s counsellors and educational content can help you put this into practice while you’re still under debt review.

19. I’ve seen some negative reviews about Debt Rescue online – should I worry?

Like any large company, Debt Rescue has both very positive and very negative reviews on platforms such as HelloPeter and elsewhere. It’s sensible to read a mix of feedback, ask questions about anything that worries you, and make sure you understand fees, timelines and your responsibilities before you sign up. Using an NCR-registered debt counsellor and checking their registration on the NCR website are key safeguards.

20. Does Debt Rescue have a WhatsApp number?

Yep, you can reach them on WhatsApp at 077 391 0827—just send a message if you want to talk.

Debt Rescue Application

Do I qualify for debt consolidation?

Not sure if Debt Rescue can help you out? Here’s what they usually look for—don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward:

• You’re in South Africa and finding it tough to pay all your bills—like credit cards, loans, or store accounts.
• You’ve got some money coming in, like a paycheck, pension, or cash from a side gig, so they can figure out a payment that works for you.
• Your debts add up to more than you can easily handle each month—they’re here for people who feel stuck.
• You don’t need a clean credit history; they help even if you’ve fallen behind on payments.
• You’re okay sharing the details about what you earn, spend, and owe—they need the full picture to help.

If this sounds like where you’re at, Debt Rescue can probably step in. They’ll take your payments and roll them into one that’s easier to manage.

Requirements

To work with Debt Rescue, they’ll need a few things from you:

• A copy of your South African ID or passport to show who you are.
• Proof of your income, like recent payslips or bank statements.
• A list of everyone you owe, with how much, interest rates, and monthly payments.
• Info on your debts (loans, cards, accounts) and any legal steps creditors have taken.
• A quick breakdown of what you earn and spend monthly.

Once you give them this, their team will look it over, figure out where you stand, and suggest a plan. They’ll talk to the people you owe to combine your debts into one easier payment.

Process

Debt Rescue has a clear way of helping you sort out your debts. Here’s how it goes, with rough times for each step:

1. First Chat (Day 1 to Day 3)
   –You’ll have a free, no-pressure talk with a debt counsellor. They’ll ask about your money troubles, what you want to fix, and explain how they can help. If you’re a fit, they’ll kick things off.
2. Looking at Your Debts and Making a Plan (Day 4 to Day 7)
   –After you send your documents, they’ll check your debts and build a plan. They’ll try to lower your interest rates and turn all your payments into one you can afford.
3. Talking to the People You Owe (Week 2 to Week 4)
   –Debt Rescue contacts your creditors to agree on better terms—like lower rates or more time. This can take a few weeks, depending on how fast your creditors reply.
4. Setting It Up and Keeping You Safe (Week 4 to Week 6)
   –When your creditors agree, Debt Rescue finalizes the plan. You sign it, and you’re protected—no more calls or legal threats from creditors.
5. One Payment Moving Forward (Keeps Going)
   –You start paying one amount each month to Debt Rescue, and they send it to your creditors. This goes on until your debts are gone, usually 3 to 5 years, depending on what you owe and can pay.

Timeline

• First Chat to Plan: About 1 to 2 weeks
• Talking to Creditors: 2 to 4 weeks
• Finalizing the Deal: 1 to 2 weeks
• Paying It Off: Usually 3 to 5 years

Debt Rescue stays with you the whole time, making sure you’re okay with the payments and giving you tips to avoid trouble later.