Debt Rescue – Pay What You Can Afford NCR Debt Counsellors      

Debt Rescue – Pay what you can afford NCR Debt Counsellors      

Debt Counselling aims to help over-indebted consumers get out of the debt trap. Only debt counsellors registered with the NCR may offer debt coun­selling services. Prior to registra­tion, they have to successfully com­plete a debt counselling training

Many clients wake in a cold sweat at night, realising that they cannot pay their debt while at the same time supporting their families. For some it feels as if they failed if they cannot provide adequately for their families, while others see debt as a crime

The NCR advises that consum­ers can verify debt counsellors by checking that their registration cer­tificate carries the NCR logo, as well as the debt counsellor’s details and registration number. Registered debt counsellors should have a vis­ible window decal (green sticker) at their premises. Consumers can also verify registration of debt counsel­lors with the NCR.

This is what Neil Roets, chief executive of Debt Rescue, said about his company. “We have unfortunately come across clients who find themselves in dire straits considering suicide,” he says. “Many clients wake in a cold sweat at night, realising that they cannot pay their debt while at the same time sup­porting their families. For some it feels as if they failed if they can­not provide adequately for their families, while others see debt as a crime.”

But, says Roets, panicking only worsens the situation. “Due to this they do not speak up and seek the help that debt counselling can offer them.”

According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR), debt counselling is one of the debt relief measures available in South Africa and pro­vided for in the National Credit Act.

“This process is intended to assist over-indebted consumers struggling with debt, through budget advice, negotiation with credit providers for reduced payments and restruc­turing of debts,” the NCR states on its website. “Consumers who are struggling to meet their monthly debt obligations qualify to apply for debt counselling. These consumers should have a distributable income, which will be used to offer reduced payments to their credit providers.”