Questions to ask a debt counsellor before applying

Debt review is a legal process that rewires your repayment obligations, but it's not automatic — it depends on whether a counsellor thinks you qualify and whether a court will agree. Before you hand over documents and pay an application fee, you need to know whether the counsellor understands your situation and whether they're levelling with you about what comes next. The questions you ask now separate counsellors who've done their homework from those who'll take your money and leave you in limbo.

Does my debt actually qualify for review?

Start here. Ask the counsellor: "Based on what I've told you, do you think I'm likely to qualify for debt review?" A good counsellor will ask follow-up questions — how much unsecured debt you carry, whether it's consumer debt (credit cards, personal loans, store accounts), whether you have a regular income, and what your debt-to-income ratio looks like. They'll explain that debt review typically works for people with unsecured consumer debt and a stable income, but not for business debt, tax arrears, or secured debt like a bond or car loan.

If they say "Yes, we can definitely help" without asking details, that's evasive. If they hedge — "We'll apply and see what the court says" — push back. They should give you a straight answer based on your circumstances, not a maybe that costs you time and money.

Ask them to explain the threshold. Debt review usually requires that you be unable to pay your debts as they fall due, but you have enough income to sustain a restructured repayment plan. If your income is irregular or dropping, or your debts are tiny relative to earnings, that changes the picture. A counsellor worth their salt will articulate this clearly.

What happens if the court rejects the application?

This is the question most people skip, and it's crucial. Ask: "If the application is declined, what are my options and what do I owe you?" A counsellor who's transparent will explain that the court can reject the application if you don't meet the legal criteria, or if your proposed repayment plan isn't realistic. They'll tell you upfront what their fees are — both the initial assessment and the application cost — and whether those fees are refundable if the court says no.

Listen for honesty. Some counsellors will say "If we don't get approval, we'll help you explore other options" — that's good. Others will dodge the question or suggest that rejection is unlikely without evidence. Neither is helpful. You need to know the risk and the cost, and you need to know it before you commit.

Also ask what support they offer if the application stalls or takes longer than expected. The process can take weeks or months. Will they keep you updated? Will they pursue the matter if the court is slow?

What information do I need to bring, and how long will this actually take?

Bring this to the conversation:

• Recent bank statements (usually three months)
• Proof of income (payslips or business statements)
• A list of all debts with creditor names and outstanding balances
• Proof of residence
• Identity documents

Ask the counsellor which documents they need, and why. If they ask for anything unusual — notarised statements, private financial details beyond what's standard — question it. A good counsellor will explain what they need and why, and won't ask for anything unnecessary.

On timeline, ask: "How long from today until the application goes to court?" and "How long until I usually hear back?" Expect them to say several weeks for the application, and several weeks more for the court to respond. If they promise a faster track, ask what makes it faster. If they claim they can guarantee approval, walk away.

The cost question you must ask twice

Ask: "What's the full cost to me, in writing?" Then ask again a week later, in writing. The fees for a debt review application are regulated — the National Credit Regulator sets maximum amounts — but some counsellors bundle fees or hide charges in their paperwork. You should see a clear breakdown: application fee, administration fee, and any ongoing counselling fee if the review is approved. If they're vague or the total seems inflated, check the NCR website or ask another counsellor for a comparison.

A debt counsellor's job is to give you honest information so you can decide whether debt review makes sense for your situation. If they're evasive, rushing you, or overselling the outcome, that's a signal to keep looking. Strove's verified counsellors can be filtered by registration status and review history — use that to find someone who answers these questions plainly.