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Credit Rescue – Debt review overview

• Loan / Service type: NCR-regulated debt counselling (debt review)
• Main purpose: Restructure repayments into one affordable monthly plan, with formal protection mechanisms once approved through the legal route.

Benefits

• One monthly repayment instead of multiple debit orders.
• A structured path designed to stabilise cashflow so essentials get paid first.
• Negotiation support with creditors, rather than doing it alone.
• Formal debt review can add legal weight once the plan is approved.
• Clear end-point: pay-off path and then clearance, rather than drifting in arrears.
• Option-set approach: mediation, debt review, and removal services depending on your status.

Why choose Credit Rescue?

Two-lane approach (debt review vs mediation)

You’re not forced into one mechanism; the “right tool” depends on whether you’re already over-indebted and how cooperative your creditors are.

One-plan admin simplification

The real win for many people is operational: fewer moving parts, fewer missed dates, fewer penalty cascades.

National footprint claim

They state they operate nationally through offices and franchises, which matters if you want face-to-face support or local escalation.

Formal-process alignment

Their site explicitly anchors the work to the NCR/National Credit Act framing, which is what you want for debt review legitimacy.

Credit-pressure relief as a by-product

When a repayment plan becomes credible and formalised, creditor contact usually reduces; you still need to pay, but the chaos drops.

Removal services for “life after”

A lot of companies stop at “get you under review”; removals and clean-up services matter when your situation improves.

Upfront clarity you should demand

Ask for the fee schedule, PDA details, and the exact process milestones before you sign anything, so expectations don’t drift later.

Documentation-first discipline

The stronger your documents and account statements, the more realistic the plan and the fewer surprises during creditor verification.

Works even if you’ve got mixed debt types

Most South Africans don’t have one debt; they’ve got a stack (retail, cards, personal loans, vehicle finance), so coordination matters.

You can sense-check them against external data

Debt problems aren’t “personal failure”; they’re common in an economy with high consumer credit exposure and large debt books.

Credit Rescue FAQs

1. Is Credit Rescue the same as Debt Rescue?

   No. “Debt Rescue” is a different brand; don’t mix up names when you’re signing mandates or sending documents.

2. What is debt review in simple terms?

   Debt review is a formal process where a registered debt counsellor assesses your budget, proposes a reduced repayment plan, negotiates with creditors, and (once approved through the legal route) you repay via one plan until you qualify for clearance.

3. What is debt mediation, and how is it different?

   Debt mediation is a negotiated arrangement with creditors that is described as “informal debt restructuring” on their site; it can work when creditors cooperate, but it doesn’t carry the same formal structure as debt review.

4. Will debt review stop legal action?

   It can reduce legal pressure once the process is properly in motion and a formal plan is in place, but outcomes depend on compliance and case timing; treat absolute promises cautiously.

5. Will I be “blacklisted” under debt review?

   You’re typically flagged as “under debt review” at credit bureaus, which restricts taking new credit until you complete and clear.

6. Can I get new credit while in debt review?

   Generally no, because the system is designed to stop you from adding new obligations while you’re restructuring.

7. How long does debt review usually take?

   Common ranges are about 36–60 months, depending on debt size, interest concessions, and what you can afford each month.

8. Do I have to include all my debts?

   In formal debt review, full disclosure is standard because affordability and fairness depend on the complete picture; hiding accounts is a common reason plans fail later.

9. What is a PDA?

   A Payment Distribution Agent collects your single payment and distributes it to creditors; it’s a control point that creates auditability and reduces missed-payment chaos.

10. What does “no upfront fees” mean in practice?

    Often it means fees are collected through the repayment flow rather than a separate upfront invoice; you still need a written fee schedule.

11. I’m married in community of property. Does my spouse get pulled in?

    Community of property can complicate affordability and asset exposure; ask for a clear explanation of whether your spouse’s income/obligations must be included in your specific case.

12. Can I cancel debt review once started?

    Exiting can be complex once formal notices and orders are in play; get a written explanation of exit conditions before you proceed.

13. How do I know I’m dealing with a properly registered debt counsellor?

    Ask for the counsellor’s NCRDC number in writing, then confirm it on the NCR register (name + trading name + number must match).

14. What documents will I need?

    ID, proof of income (payslips/bank statements), proof of address, and up-to-date statements for every debt account.

Credit Rescue Application

Do I qualify?

You usually qualify for formal debt review if you have a steady income but your contractual debt instalments leave you unable to cover essential living expenses, meaning you’re over-indebted in practice.

Requirements

South African ID or valid permit, proof of income, proof of address, creditor statements, and any legal letters already received (summonses, Section 129 notices).

Process

1. Contact Credit Rescue for an assessment.
2. Submit documents and account statements.
3. Confirm whether you’re doing debt mediation or debt review.
4. Review the proposed monthly payment and fee schedule before signing.
5. Start paying the single instalment via the appointed channel/PDA (for debt review).

Timeline

• Intake + document verification: commonly days to a few weeks (depends on how fast documents and statements are supplied).
• Debt review repayment: often 3–5 years.
• Clearance processing: after final settlement, clearance certificate and bureau updates follow the required administrative steps.