If you’ve been under debt review in South Africa, you’ve probably heard of a Clearance Certificate, also known as Form 19. This document is the final and most important step in your debt review journey. It officially confirms that you’ve completed the process, settled your debts, and are now free to move forward financially.

Let’s unpack what a Clearance Certificate is, why it matters, and how you can get one.

What Is a Clearance Certificate (Form 19)?

A Clearance Certificate (Form 19) is an official document issued by your Debt Counsellor in terms of the National Credit Act (NCA). It serves as proof that:

• You have successfully repaid all debts included in your debt review plan, or
• You have obtained paid-up letters or settlement confirmation from each creditor.

Once the certificate is issued, your debt review status is removed from the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and all credit bureaus — allowing you to start rebuilding your credit record.

Why You Need a Clearance Certificate

Many consumers believe that once their accounts are paid up, they automatically exit debt review — but that’s not the case. You must have a Clearance Certificate for the following reasons:

1. It legally ends your debt review status. Without it, your name will still reflect as “under debt review” on your credit report, even if you’ve paid off all your debts.
2. It allows you to access new credit again. Lenders can’t approve new credit until the debt review flag is removed. Only once your Clearance Certificate has been uploaded to the NCR and credit bureaus can you be considered for new loans or accounts.
3. It proves you’ve rehabilitated your finances. The certificate is evidence that you’ve completed the process responsibly and met your obligations — a positive signal to future creditors and financial institutions.

What You Need to Get a Clearance Certificate If You Have Not Been Using A Registered PDA For Your Payments

1. Pay Off All Credit Accounts Under Debt Review You must finish paying all accounts that were part of your debt review repayment plan. This includes loans, store accounts, credit cards, and personal finance agreements.
2. Obtain Paid-Up Letters Once each debt is fully paid, your creditors must issue paid-up letters confirming that the account is settled in full and has a zero balance. These letters are crucial — they serve as the official proof your counsellor needs to issue the Clearance Certificate.
3. Confirm Your Home Loan Is Up to Date If you have a home loan, it does not need to be settled in full for the Clearance Certificate to be issued. You simply need to approach your credit provider and request written confirmation that your bond account is paid up to date and in good standing. Once this confirmation is received, your debt counsellor can proceed with issuing your Clearance Certificate.
4. Contact Your Debt Counsellor
   Your Debt Counsellor will:
   1. Verify all paid-up letters and confirmations
   2. Confirm that all accounts are either closed or up to date
   3. Issue the Form 19 Clearance Certificate
   4. Notify the NCR and credit bureaus to update your record

If you have been using a registered PDA for your payments, your Debt Counsellor will do steps 2 and 3 for you.

Once submitted, your debt review flag will be removed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bureau.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Clearance Certificate?

The timeline can vary, but generally:

• Verification of accounts: 1–2 weeks
• Collection of paid-up letters: Depends on how fast creditors respond
• Issuing the certificate: Once everything is confirmed

In most cases, you can expect to receive your Clearance Certificate within 2 to 4 weeks after all debts are confirmed paid or up to date.

Final Thoughts

A Clearance Certificate (Form 19) is more than just a piece of paper — it’s your financial freedom document. It marks the end of your debt review journey and the start of a new chapter where you can rebuild your credit, regain confidence, and take control of your financial future.

If you’ve completed your debt review payments, don’t delay — reach out to your Debt Counsellor, and begin the process of obtaining your Clearance Certificate today.