How to clear your name from debt review

When people talk about clearing their name from debt review, they mean removing the debt-review status flag from their credit profile so lenders no longer see it. The flag is not a default or a judgment - it simply shows you were in debt review - but it does block new credit while it is there.

Clearing it is done by completing debt review and getting the clearance certificate, not by paying a third party to make it 'disappear'.

1. Confirm you are paid up. Ask your counsellor for a statement showing the debts in your plan are settled.
2. Collect paid-up letters for any creditors you paid directly.
3. Get your Form 19 clearance certificate from your counsellor (they must issue it within seven days of you being paid up).
4. Confirm the bureaus were notified by the counsellor.
5. Pull your credit report after about 21 business days to check the flag is gone.
6. Escalate if needed to the NCR if your counsellor or a bureau fails to act.

You cannot clear your name while debts in the plan are unpaid, unless a court rescinds the order. If your circumstances have changed and you are no longer over-indebted, speak to an attorney about a court application to withdraw the order. Before a court order was granted, withdrawing is simpler and your counsellor can assist.

Be wary of anyone offering to clear your name for a fee while your debts are still outstanding - that is not how it works.

After the certificate is issued, the proof is in your credit report. Request a free report from the credit bureaus and check that:

• The debt-review flag or status code is gone.
• The accounts in your plan show as settled or paid up.

If the flag is still showing after about 21 business days, contact the bureau and your counsellor, and complain to the NCR if it is not resolved. Only then is your name truly clear.