Debt Relief is finally here!

October 5, 2023 |

Debt Info

Good news for over-indebted consumers – Debt Relief is finally here!

Nimble welcomes the signing in of the new long awaited National Credit Amendment Bill which aims to provide relief to over-indebted consumers. The process will be administered by the National Credit Regulator although no implementation date has been set yet nor has the step by step process been finalised. For now it seems as though the window for applying will be four years from implementation date.

1.Why was the Debt Relief Bill introduced?

To provide relief to over-indebted consumers
More rigorous enforcement of the Act for credit grantors

2.Who qualifies for Debt Relief?

Earn a gross monthly income of R7,500 or less over the last six months
Unsecured debt (excludes car finance & home loans) is not more than R50,000
Do not qualify if sequestrated or subject to an administration order

3.What is the proposed application process?

Step 1: Apply to the National Credit Regulator (NCR)
Step 2: Debt Intervention Officers will consider the case & inform creditors & bureaus of the application
Step 3: Assessment done on your financial situation
Step 4: If the assessment shows you are able to settle your debts, your application will be rejected. If your assessment shows you are unable
to settle your debts, NCR will determine if you can pay off your debts with 5 years & all or some of your debts repayments may be
suspended for up to a year
Step 5: 8 months later review your financial situation and:
▪ If you are able to repay your debts within 5 years, NCR will consider restructuring the remaining debt
▪ If you are unable to repay your debts within 5 years, you may get another 12 repayment months free
Step 6: 8 months later review your financial situation and you still can’t pay off your debts, your debts may be written off in part or full.

4.What happens after your debt is written off?