Sounds like you’re in a tough spot especially with no one to chat this over with.

So this sums up your debt situation with some solutions;

• Your current financial situation:
  You’ve got R23k on your credit card and R7k overdraft: R30k total.

  You’re pulling in R2k from disability and maybe R1k from odd jobs, so R3k max.

  Repayments are R1.5k, food’s R500, and you’re R500 short every month.

  So your debt’s mounting month on month if I’ve got that right?

• Debt Review:
  This is basically how debt review works.

  You get a debt counsellor, through a legit debt company – make sure that they’re registered with the NCR (National Credit Regulator) – see a list of debt counsellors currently registered on the NCR website.

  Then the debt counsellor, acting on your behalf, steps in and talks to your creditors, who will hopefully reduce your payments to something like R1k per month.

  So then you only pay one amount per month leaving them to split it up and allocate payments accordingly.

  It stops calls, legal stuff and the general debt pressure you’re probably under.

  However, you’re locked in, no new loans or credit cards till it’s all paid – it’s no picnic and will be pretty hard going at times.

• Getting further finance while on Debt Review:
  Nope, the National Credit Act prohibits financial institutions from providing loans for debt review clients any type of funding to anyone undergoing the debt review process.
  
  
• Watch Out – Unexpected Costs & Downside of Debt Review:
  It’s not free, and on average it’s R50 to start, then up to R8k taken from your first payments, plus 5% monthly (max R450).

  Big catch: it’s on your credit record till you’re done, which could be years with R30k.

  If your odd jobs pick up, you’re still stuck in the plan.

• Benefits of Managing the Debt Yourself: If you call your bank or credit card company and beg for a lower payment (like R1k), you keep control.

  No fees, no bad credit mark if you stay on track, and you’re free to adjust if money gets better.

  Plus, paying extra when you can reduces the debt much faster.

• Debt Review Good Side:
  It’s a lifeline if you’re drowning – steady payments, no stress from creditors.

  Works with your fixed R2k disability cash.

  But it’s a long haul, not a fix and many people have regretted it as they’re not able to cut back on lifestyle expenses.

• Think Twice Before Going Under Debt Review:
  Debt review’s a big step – an option if you’re totally sunk, but it costs you cash and freedom.

  Managing it yourself could save you hassle and money if you’re disciplined & committed to making it work for you.

• What to do next:
  Try calling your bank first and ask for a break on payments.

  If they won’t budge and you’re desperate, talk to an NCR-registered debt counselor.

Disclaimer: I’m no money pro; get proper advice.

Don’t share personal details online.

For more info, read this summary on What is Debt Review.