14 Aug Debt Review Status Codes Explained: D3, D4 & F2
Seen a code like D3, D4 or F2 next to “debt review” on your credit report? These are NCR Debt Help System (DHS) status codes, and they determine whether the credit bureaus still flag you as under debt review – and whether banks will decline you. Here is what every code means, which ones block new credit, and how to get your status legally cleared.
Debt review status codes at a glance
| Code | What it means | Still under debt review? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Applied for debt counselling; assessment in progress | Yes |
| A1 | Consumer withdrew before being declared over-indebted | Yes – flagged until resolved |
| B | Application rejected (you did not qualify) | No |
| C | Declared over-indebted; restructuring in progress | Yes |
| D3 | Formal debt restructuring through the courts has commenced | Yes |
| D4 | Court order granted for your debt restructuring | Yes |
| F1 | All debts settled except your home loan | No – you qualify for a clearance certificate |
| F2 | All restructured debts fully settled | No – you qualify for a clearance certificate |
| G | Court rescinded the debt review order, or you opposed the application and were declared not over-indebted | No |
| G1 | Debt review application rejected by the Magistrate | No |
| H | Withdrawal by consumer or debt counsellor (historic status, no longer issued) | No |
| J | Consumer under sequestration | Get legal advice first |
What does D3 status mean in debt review?
Status D3 means the formal court process to restructure your debts has started. Your debt counsellor has referred your repayment plan to the Magistrates Court (or National Consumer Tribunal), but the order has not been granted yet. You are fully under debt review: credit providers can see the flag and you cannot take on new credit.
What does D4 status mean?
Status D4 means the court has granted your debt restructuring order. This is the “settled in” phase of debt review – you repay according to the court order until your debts are settled. Many consumers sit on D4 for years. The flag only comes off once you reach F1/F2 and receive your clearance certificate, or if a court rescinds the order. If your circumstances have changed, read more about the court process for debt review removal.
What does F2 status mean?
Status F2 is the one everyone wants: all the debts in your restructuring plan are fully settled. F1 is the same except your home loan may still run its normal term. On F1 or F2 you qualify for a clearance certificate (Form 19), which instructs the credit bureaus to remove the debt review flag from your profile.
Why your status may be stuck or wrong
Since 2022, debt counsellors can only update codes A, C, D3 and D4 directly on the DHS. Every other status change – including B, F1, F2, G and G1 – must be submitted to the NCR with supporting documents before it is captured. The NCR also moved to a new Debt Help System in 2026. In practice this means:
- You can have paid up every account and still show D4 because nobody submitted your paid-up letters;
- You can have been rejected by the court years ago (G1) and still be flagged at the bureaus;
- You can have stopped paying your debt counsellor long ago – the flag does not lapse on its own, ever.
That is why so many people are declined for credit years after they believe their debt review ended. The status must be legally resolved and correctly updated – it never simply expires.
How to check your current status code
Pull a free credit report with your ID number and look for the debt review flag or “DHS status” – our guide on how to check if you are under debt review walks you through it step by step.
How we get your status cleared
Cape Town Legal Consultants specialises in debt review removal. Depending on your code, that means obtaining your clearance certificate (F1/F2), applying for a court order or rescission (C/D3/D4), or forcing the bureaus to reflect a status you already earned (B/G/G1). See how long debt review removal takes for realistic timelines.
Not sure what your code means for you? Call 021 753 9659 or email info@capetownlegalconsultants.co.za – we will check your status and tell you exactly what it will take to clear your name.
Frequently asked questions
Does the debt review flag expire on its own?
No. There is no automatic expiry – the flag stays until you qualify for a clearance certificate or a court removes it.
Can I get credit on status D4?
No. D4 means you are under a court-ordered restructuring and credit providers may not extend new credit to you.
I have status F2 – why am I still flagged?
Your clearance certificate must be issued and submitted to the credit bureaus. If that has not happened, the flag stays even though you qualify to have it removed.
What is status H?
An old withdrawal status. Since 19 February 2015 a debt counsellor can no longer withdraw you from debt review – exits now happen through settlement or the courts.