Can You Apply for Debt Review After Receiving a Section 129 Notice?
You may be able to apply for debt review after receiving a Section 129 notice, provided the credit provider has not yet instituted formal summons and obtained judgment on that specific account. Timing is critical — once legal proceedings have advanced beyond certain statutory thresholds, an agreement may be excluded from debt review. Contact a debt counsellor promptly after receiving the notice.
Key Points
- Debt review may be possible after a Section 129 notice.
- Timing is critical — act before summons and judgment.
- Once judgment is obtained, an account may be excluded.
- Contact a debt counsellor promptly after the notice.
This article provides general consumer information and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances differ. If legal proceedings have already started, obtain advice relevant to your specific circumstances.
Why the timing matters
A Section 129 notice is a warning that legal action may follow. If you apply for debt review before the credit provider institutes summons and obtains judgment, the account can generally be included in the restructuring.
If the provider has already obtained judgment, that specific agreement may fall outside the debt-review process. This is why acting promptly after receiving the notice is so important.
What to do when you receive the notice
Read the notice carefully and note any deadlines. Contact a registered debt counsellor immediately to assess whether you qualify for debt review and whether the account can still be included.
Do not ignore the notice hoping it will resolve itself — the window to act may be limited.
What if legal proceedings have already started?
If summons has already been served or judgment obtained, your debt counsellor will advise on what can and cannot be included. Other accounts that have not reached that stage may still be restructured.
Each account is assessed individually, so seek advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by Carolina Guevara Harris
Registered Debt Counsellor · NCRDC3152
Last updated: 17 September 2025
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