Over-indebted consumers have a right to be rehabilitated.

The Credit Ombuds, Nicky Lala Mohan, pictured, said his office has received calls from consumers who are in a desperate need of more information and education on how to manage their own finances.

He said his office approached consumers' credit problems in a holistic manner so that it does not only end with resolving consumer disputes. Mohan said a very important part is to empower consumers so that they don't end up in the same position again.

"Rehabilitation is key, especially now as consumers face tough times ahead with hikes on essentials such as food and electricity as well as interest rates. We need to ensure that we give consumers tools to be able to deal with their finances and work towards good credit records and maintaining them in the long run," Mohan said.

Here are some of the rights you have:

-Right to apply for credit - Every adult person has a right to apply to a credit provider for credit. Being granted the credit is, however, not an automatic right.

-Protection against discrimination in respect of credit- A credit provider must not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against you when applying for credit.

-Right to reasons for credit being refused - On request from a consumer, a credit provider must advise the reason for refusing to enter into a credit agreement; offering a lower credit limit; refusing to increase a credit limit; or refusing to renew an expiring credit card or credit facility.

-Right to information in an official language - A consumer has a right to receive any document that is required in terms of the National Credit Act (NCA) in an official language that they read or understand.

-Right to receive documents - Every document that is required to be delivered to a consumer in terms of the NCA must be delivered either in person at the business premises of the credit provider by ordinary mail; prepaid registered post; fax; e-mail; or printable web page.