The National Credit Act (NCA) formally introduced debt counselling to assist over-indebted consumers by developing a repayment plan which is both affordable to the client as well as acceptable to credit providers. This process is intended to assist over-indebted consumers struggling with debt, through budget advice, negotiation with credit providers for reduced payments and restructuring of debts. To qualify for debt counselling, you need to be over-indebted as defined by the NCA. This means that you cannot afford to meet your monthly credit obligations as well as your minimum living expenses.