During the 3 years your creditors can't chase you for the debts it covers. If your income jumps by €400 a month or more, or you get a gift of €500 or more, you pay half to your creditors. You can only get a DRN once.
Quick facts
- Debt written off
- Up to €35,000
- Supervision
- 3 years
- Left over each month
- €60 or less
- Assets
- €1,500 or less
- Car allowed
- Up to €12,500
- Fees
- Waived to 31 December 2026
Which debts it covers
Mainly unsecured debt: utility and rent arrears, credit and store cards, overdrafts and personal loans, up to €35,000 in total. It doesn't cover mortgages or car loans; for those, see the other personal insolvency options.
Some debts can never be written off, such as maintenance orders, court fines and personal injury awards. Tax, Local Property Tax, council charges and money owed to the Department of Social Protection are only included if that creditor agrees.
The income and asset tests
"You will only qualify for a DRN if, after deducting certain outgoings, you would be left with a net monthly disposable income of €60 or less after paying reasonable living expenses." All income counts except Child Benefit.
"The total value of your assets must be €1,500 or less." Some things are ignored: household equipment and work tools up to €6,000, a car up to €12,500, one piece of jewellery up to €750, an adapted vehicle, and future pension rights.
During the 3 years
Creditors covered by the DRN can't take legal action, collect payment or contact you. You must tell the Insolvency Service about changes, and tell any lender about the DRN before borrowing €650 or more.
"If your net income increases by €400 or more per month, you must give half of that increase to the ISI". The same applies to half of any gift or payment of €500 or more. Pay off half the debts and you can exit early.
Limits on using it
"You can only get a DRN once." You can't be in another insolvency process or bankruptcy, or have finished one in the last 5 years. Your DRN appears on a public register, removed at the end.
How to apply
"Your application for a Debt Relief Notice must be made through an Approved Intermediary (AI)." Every MABS service is one. Ring the MABS Helpline on 0818 07 2000 for a free eligibility check, with details of your debts, income and assets ready.
"The ISI has waived its fees for Debt Relief Notices until 31 December 2026."
Common questions
How much debt can a Debt Relief Notice write off?
Up to €35,000 of qualifying debt, after a 3-year supervision period.
Who qualifies for a Debt Relief Notice in Ireland?
People with qualifying debts of €35,000 or less, €60 a month or less left after reasonable living expenses, and assets of €1,500 or less.
Can I keep my car with a Debt Relief Notice?
A car worth up to €12,500 is not counted, as long as buying it isn't part of your qualifying debts.
How much does a Debt Relief Notice cost?
The Insolvency Service has waived its fees until 31 December 2026, and MABS's eligibility check is free.
How many times can I get a Debt Relief Notice?
Only once.
Does a Debt Relief Notice cover my mortgage?
No. Mortgages and similar secured debts are not covered; the other personal insolvency options deal with those.