08 Jun Debt Review Status Codes A to D4 Explained

If you have ever pulled your credit report while under debt review, you have likely noticed a letter or alphanumeric code attached to your debt review flag. These codes are not random. Each one tells a specific story about where you are in the debt review process, and understanding them can save you a great deal of confusion.

True North Debt breaks down each status code below so you always know exactly where you stand.

What Are Debt Review Status Codes?

Debt review status codes are assigned to your credit profile by the NCR Debt Help System and updated by your debt counsellor as your case progresses. They appear alongside other public records such as judgments and defaults. If you want to know how to find them, our guide on how to conduct a debt review status check walks you through pulling your credit report and locating the relevant row.

The codes range from A through to F and include variations such as A1, D3, D4, G, G1, F, and F1. Each one reflects a different stage or outcome.

Code A: Application Under Assessment

Code A is loaded onto your profile the moment you complete and submit Form 16, which is your formal application for debt review. At this stage, your debt counsellor is assessing whether you qualify as over-indebted. You are not yet officially under debt review, but the flag is visible on your credit profile, and lenders can see that an application is in progress. To understand the full journey from this point, see how debt review works.

Code A1: Application Withdrawn Before Assessment Completion

If you exit the debt review process before your debt counsellor has completed the assessment – meaning before a determination of over-indebtedness is made – your profile receives a code A1. This typically occurs when a consumer withdraws their application early or when the counsellor determines that the process cannot proceed.

Code B: Not Over-Indebted

After your debt counsellor completes the assessment using the financial information in your Form 16, they may determine that you do not qualify as over-indebted. In this case, your profile is updated to code B. While this means you cannot continue with the formal debt review process, it does not leave you without options. There are still steps you can take to manage your debt.

Code C: Declared Over-Indebted

Code C is one of the most significant codes in the sequence. It is applied when your debt counsellor has formally confirmed your over-indebtedness and issued Form 17.2 to your creditors. At this point, you are officially under debt review. Your creditors are notified, you are protected from legal action, and the negotiation process begins.

Code D3: Debt Rearrangement in Progress

When your debt counsellor begins the rearrangement process and negotiations with creditors are underway, your profile receives a code D3. This is an active stage where your repayment plan is being structured. Curious about the fees involved at this point? You can review the debt review fees charged by True North Debt, which are all regulated by the National Credit Regulator.

Code D4: Court Order Granted

Code D4 is applied once the Magistrate’s court has reviewed and accepted the debt rearrangement plan proposed by your debt counsellor. At this stage, the repayment terms are legally binding. You are protected and your plan is formally in place. This is one of your rights under debt review – the right to have a court-confirmed arrangement that creditors must honour.

Other Codes You May Encounter

The full range of codes extends beyond A to D4. Here is a brief overview of the remaining codes:

• Code G: The Magistrate’s court has rescinded its order because you failed to keep up with repayments or proved you are no longer over-indebted.
• Code G1: The Magistrate’s court has determined you are not over-indebted, and the debt review is ended.
• Code F1: You have paid off all your restructured debts except your bond. You can begin disputing the debt review flag from your credit report.
• Code F: You have paid off all debts, including your bond. Your clearance certificate can be submitted to credit bureaus to have the flag removed entirely.

Why Your Status Code Matters

Your status code affects your ability to apply for credit, influences background checks for finance-sector employment, and determines whether creditors can take legal action against you. Knowing your code also helps you communicate accurately with your debt counsellor and understand whether the process is progressing as expected.

If your code is stuck or you are unsure whether your profile reflects your current status, the first step is to check if you are placed under debt review using a free credit report request.

Take the Next Step Towards Financial Freedom

Whether you are just starting out or are well into the debt review process, True North Debt is here to guide you every step of the way. Our NCR-registered debt counsellors manage every stage professionally and transparently. CONTACT US today.