Assessment Process

What the assessment looks at

An assessment usually starts with the full picture of a consumer’s finances. That includes income, regular household expenses, existing credit agreements, arrears, and any legal notices that may already be in place. The aim is to understand whether debt review may be relevant under the National Credit Act, and whether monthly commitments leave enough room for essential living costs.

Credit reports help show active accounts and repayment history, but they are only one part of the picture. The figures on paper must be read alongside payslips, bank statements, and proof of living expenses. A balance on its own can be misleading if an instalment has changed, if overtime is not steady, or if a household has extra dependants. That is where the assessment process has value, it turns scattered information into something easier to review.

• Income from salary, freelance work, or other regular sources
• Monthly obligations such as rent, transport, food, school costs, and credit instalments
• Accounts listed on the credit report, including arrears where shown
• Any documents tied to notices, summonses, or court steps

Documents that usually form the file

The assessment is only as useful as the documents behind it. Missing slips, outdated statements, or unclear bank records can make the picture harder to read. A complete file usually lets the counsellor or support team compare declared expenses with what the records show, and spot gaps that need follow-up.

In Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha, many consumers gather documents online and upload them in one sitting. That helps keep the process neat, especially when someone is trying to manage several creditors at once. It also reduces back-and-forth over which account is current and which one has already been settled.

• Latest payslip or proof of income
• Recent bank statements
• ID document copy
• Proof of address
• Statements for credit accounts, loans, and store accounts
• Any letters from creditors, attorneys, or court offices

A missing bank statement or an old salary slip can skew the assessment. If a household budget changed after a medical expense or a rent increase, that should be visible in the paperwork too.

How the review is stepped through

The assessment normally moves through a set of checks. First, the documents are sorted and the debts are listed. After that, affordability is measured against household costs, then the case is compared with the basic debt review rules under the National Credit Act. This is not legal advice, and it does not replace a formal finding from a registered debt counsellor.

Where the facts suggest over-indebtedness, the next step may be to discuss debt review basics, payment plan principles, and the role of the counsellor. If a person is not over-indebted, the result may point to budgeting support instead of debt review. Each route depends on the information supplied, so it is better to read the documents carefully than to rely on assumptions.

• Collect and sort the documents
• List all known debts and instalments
• Compare income with essential living costs
• Check whether the record points to over-indebtedness
• Discuss possible next steps with a registered professional

What the process can and cannot do

The assessment can highlight pressure points in a budget and show where money is going each month. It can also explain how debt review works in general terms, including payment plan basics, creditor communication, and the need for compliance with the National Credit Act. That gives a consumer a clearer frame before speaking to a registered debt counsellor.

It cannot give personal legal advice, alter a credit report, or change an agreement on its own. It also cannot guarantee that debt review is the right route for every person. The final position depends on the documents, the obligations recorded, and the rules that apply at the time. A proper assessment keeps those limits in view, which is important because a rushed view can miss a detail or two.

• Shows affordability against monthly commitments
• Explains the broad debt review pathway
• Highlights missing documents or unclear entries
• Does not replace formal advice or a legal process

Turnaround and pricing approach

The time needed for an assessment depends on the documents supplied and the number of accounts being reviewed. A small file with clear statements is easier to assess than a case with several credit agreements, disputed entries, or older records. The work is done online, so the pace is shaped by how complete the information is when it arrives.

Pricing is handled as a service approach rather than a one-size-fits-all figure. Costs may vary with the complexity of the assessment, the support needed for document review, and whether the matter moves into formal debt review guidance. Any fees linked to formal debt counselling or related legal steps should be confirmed directly with a registered debt counsellor, and where needed, checked against the rules of the National Credit Regulator.

• Clear file: fewer records to sort and compare
• Mixed file: several accounts or older statements
• Complex file: disputed balances, notices, or court documents
• Formal route: any regulated fee must be confirmed separately

Aftercare after the file is assessed

After the assessment, the consumer should have a clearer view of where the financial pressure sits and what the next conversation should cover. That may include budgeting support, debt review basics, or questions for a registered debt counsellor. The value lies in understanding the file properly, not in rushing to a fixed answer.

OpenCredit also uses the assessment stage to support education around consumer rights, creditor obligations, and the wider credit-report picture. For people in Rosebank, Sandton, Midrand, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, or Gqeberha, that means the same core information can be explained in a practical way online. If something on the record does not make sense, it should be checked with a registered debt counsellor or the National Credit Regulator before any decision is made.

• Review the outcome with a debt counsellor if needed
• Keep copies of the documents used in the file
• Note any gaps in the budget for later review
• Confirm formal steps with the correct regulator or professional