Avoid companies that charge for what the free services do. The options below depend on how much you owe and what you own.
Quick facts
- Free advice
- National Debtline, Citizens Advice, StepChange
- Breathing Space
- Up to 60 days' protection
- Debt Relief Order
- Debts under £50,000
- DRO spare income
- Under £75 a month
- DRO assets
- Under £2,000
Free advice first
Speak to a debt adviser to get help choosing the best way to deal with your debt.
| Service | Phone |
|---|---|
| National Debtline | 0808 808 4000 |
| Citizens Advice (England) | 0800 144 8848 |
| StepChange Debt Charity | 0800 138 1111 |
You can also use the Money Helper website to find more free debt advice services.
Breathing Space
If you live in England or Wales, you can get temporary protection from your creditors while you get debt advice and make a plan. This scheme is called ‘Breathing Space’.
You can get temporary protection for up to 60 days.
If you get it, enforcement action cannot be taken against you, your creditors cannot contact you about the debts included, and they cannot add interest or charges. You’ll still need to make your debt repayments.
If you’re getting mental health crisis treatment, your protection from creditors will be longer. It will last for the length of your treatment, plus another 30 days.
To apply for the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme, you need to talk to a debt adviser.
Ways to pay over time
You can pay your debts in instalments by setting up:
- a Debt Management Plan which is an agreement with your creditors managed by a financial company
- an Administration Order when you’ve had a county court judgment (CCJ) or a High Court judgment (HCJ) against you for debts under £5,000
- an Individual Voluntary Arrangement which is managed by an insolvency practitioner
Debt Relief Orders
You’re generally eligible for a Debt Relief Order if you meet all of these criteria:
- you owe less than £50,000
- you’ve less than £75 a month spare income
- you’ve less than £2,000 worth of assets
- you do not own a vehicle worth £4,000 or more
- you’ve lived or worked in England and Wales within the last 3 years
- you have not applied for a DRO within the last 6 years
If you have a DRO, you stop making payments towards your debts (including interest) for 12 months, and will not need to pay the debts after 12 months.
You will still have to pay your rent and bills, and certain debts not included in the DRO, such as student loans or court fines.
If bailiffs are involved
See your rights when bailiffs visit. If your home is at risk, see help if your home is at risk of repossession.
Common questions
What is Breathing Space?
Protection from creditors for up to 60 days in England and Wales, applied for through a debt adviser. Interest, charges and enforcement are paused.
Who can get a Debt Relief Order?
People who owe less than £50,000, have less than £75 a month spare income and less than £2,000 of assets, among other conditions.
What happens after a DRO?
After 12 months you will not need to pay the debts included in it.
Where can I get free debt advice?
National Debtline on 0808 808 4000, Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 in England, or StepChange on 0800 138 1111.