She writes: “I am under debt review, but was retrenched. What can I do if I cannot afford the installment?
Debt counseling is only an option when the consumer has a regular income and if you are retrenched you do not have regular income. If a court order has been granted, not making payments will allow the creditors to terminate the debt review in terms of the Act.
It is most important that you make an appointment with the debt counselor. Please refer this matter to your debt counselor to advise alternative remedies. Possibly the credit life protection or your insurance for your debt that should form part of the funds set aside in your essential living expenses is applicable.
READ: The rights of a debt collector
The insurer’s representative should be able to assist you in activating the insurance if applicable.
If the debt review court order has not been granted, the debt counselor may make use of one of the remedies set out in the act to postpone payments under debt review to allow you to obtain alternative employment or to reduce the monthly repayments to accommodate your changed situation.