Getting Started
Do I need to know exactly what help I need before contacting Alliance?
No. Many people contact us because they are unsure whether they need debt review, debt consolidation alternatives, or general debt guidance. The first step is simply to understand your situation more clearly.
What happens after I submit a callback request?
Once your enquiry is received, one of our consultants will contact you to discuss your situation and explain the possible next steps. You do not need to have everything figured out before making contact.
Can I contact Alliance on WhatsApp instead of completing the form?
Yes. If you prefer to start with a message, you can contact Alliance on WhatsApp. This is often a simple way to ask initial questions before speaking to a consultant.
Do you assist clients across South Africa?
Yes. Alliance Debt Counsellors provides nationwide assistance, so you do not need to be near a specific office to make an enquiry.
Debt Review
What is debt review?
Debt review, also known as debt counselling, is a formal debt relief process for consumers who are over-indebted and struggling to meet their monthly credit obligations. It involves assessing your income, expenses, and debts to determine whether a more manageable repayment structure may be appropriate. NCR guidance describes debt counselling as a process that includes budget advice, assessment of income and expenses, restructuring of debt, and negotiation with credit providers.
Who may qualify for debt review?
Debt review may be suitable for consumers who earn an income but are struggling to pay their monthly debt obligations. Your income, essential expenses, and credit commitments need to be assessed before this can be confirmed. NCR guidance notes that over-indebtedness may apply where a consumer cannot, or will not be able to, meet monthly obligations to credit providers.
How do I know if I am over-indebted?
You may be over-indebted if your debt repayments have become unaffordable, you are skipping some payments to pay others, or you are borrowing money to keep up with existing debt. A proper assessment is needed to understand your position clearly. NCR consumer material lists warning signs such as borrowing to pay debts, using credit for essentials, and missing some accounts to pay others.
Will I be judged for asking for help?
No. Financial pressure can happen for many reasons. The purpose of contacting Alliance is to understand your options and take a practical next step, not to judge your situation.
Is debt review a payment holiday?
No. Debt review is not a payment holiday. It is a structured debt relief process intended to help over-indebted consumers repay their debts in a more manageable way. NCR guidance specifically warns that debt counselling is not a way to avoid paying creditors.
Debt Consolidation Alternatives
Is debt review the same as debt consolidation?
No. Debt consolidation usually refers to combining debts into one repayment, often through a new loan or credit facility. Debt review is a formal process that assesses affordability and may restructure repayments for over-indebted consumers. NCR consumer guidance distinguishes debt consolidation from debt counselling/debt review.
Can Alliance give me a debt consolidation loan?
Alliance Debt Counsellors helps consumers understand debt review and debt-related options. If you are looking for debt consolidation, we can help you assess whether it is likely to be suitable or whether another route may be more appropriate.
Why is debt consolidation not always the right option?
Debt consolidation may still require you to qualify for new credit. If your debt is already unaffordable, taking on a new loan may not solve the underlying problem. A proper affordability assessment is often the better starting point.
What should I do if I searched for debt consolidation but I am not sure what I need?
You can request a callback or send Alliance a WhatsApp enquiry. A consultant can help you understand the difference between debt consolidation, debt review, and other possible next steps.
The Debt Review Process
How does the debt review process work?
The process generally starts with an application or enquiry, followed by an assessment of your financial position. If you are found to be over-indebted, a restructuring proposal may be prepared and discussed with credit providers. The DTIC/NCR process flow also indicates that credit bureaus and credit providers are notified, and that a court or consent order may form part of the process.
What information may I need to provide?
You may be asked for basic contact details, proof of income, monthly expenses, and information about your debts. You do not need to have everything ready before making your first enquiry.
Will credit providers be contacted?
If you proceed formally with debt review, credit providers and credit bureaus may be notified as part of the process. Official process guidance refers to notification of credit providers and credit bureaus after a consumer applies for debt review.
How long does debt review take?
The duration depends on your specific financial situation, the repayment arrangement, and how consistently payments are made. A consultant can only give more useful guidance after reviewing your circumstances.
Can I cancel or stop debt review?
This depends on the stage of the process and your circumstances. Because debt review is a formal process, you should speak to a qualified consultant before making assumptions or signing anything. NCR guidance stresses that consumers should understand and consent to financial decisions and should not be pressured into signing documents without understanding them.
Credit, Payments and Clearance
Can I take out more credit while under debt review?
No. While under debt review, consumers generally cannot obtain further credit until the process has been resolved through the appropriate route. NCR guidance states that a consumer under debt counselling cannot obtain more credit, and a later NCR warning repeats that consumers placed under debt counselling cannot access further credit until the correct outcome is reached.
Will debt review appear on my credit profile?
Yes. A debt counselling indicator is usually placed on your credit bureau profile while you are under debt review. NCR guidance explains that this is an indicator that the consumer has been placed under debt counselling.
Does interest stop during debt review?
No. Interest does not automatically stop when a consumer is placed under debt counselling. NCR consumer guidance clearly states that interest does not stop.
What is a clearance certificate?
A clearance certificate is issued once the required debt review obligations have been satisfied. NCR guidance notes that a consumer remains under debt counselling until a clearance certificate is issued, subject to the relevant requirements such as short-term debts being paid and bond payments being up to date where applicable.
What happens when my debts are paid up?
Once the debts included in the process have been paid as required, the debt counsellor issues a clearance certificate and notifies the credit bureaus to remove the debt review flag. The DTIC/NCR process flow describes this as the final step after the consumer’s debts have been paid.
Safety, Consent and Trust
Can someone place me under debt review without my knowledge?
They should not. The NCR has warned against misleading consumers into debt review or placing them under debt counselling without their knowledge, full understanding, or consent.
Should I sign debt review documents immediately?
You should only sign documents once you understand what they mean. The NCR advises consumers not to sign documents without reading and fully understanding the implications.
How can I check if a debt counsellor is registered?
Consumers can confirm a debt counsellor’s registration with the National Credit Regulator. NCR consumer guidance states that debt counselling should be provided by a debt counsellor registered with the NCR.
Why should I choose Alliance Debt Counsellors?
Alliance focuses on clear guidance, respectful communication, and practical support for South Africans dealing with debt pressure. If you are unsure which route applies to you, our team can help you start with a proper conversation and clearer next steps.