Debt options
Which debt option might be right for you?
Here's a simple guide to help you understand the main debt options. We’ll always talk these through with you in detail, based on your circumstances.
For most of our clients, the best solution is either a Debt Relief Order (DRO) or a Debt Management Plan (DMP).
We will only explore other options if they are genuinely more suitable for your situation.
Debt Relief Order (DRO)
A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a government-backed way to have qualifying debts written off if you have low income, few assets, and no realistic prospect of repaying what you owe.
May be suitable if:
Your total qualifying debts are £50,000 or less
You have little or no spare income each month (usually £75 or less after essential costs)
You have few assets (e.g. savings, cars or other assets)
You do not own a home
Your situation is unlikely to improve in the near future
Things to be aware of:
It appears on your credit file for six years
Not all debts can be included
There are limits on savings, assets, and vehicles
There are some restrictions during the DRO period
Debt Management Plan (DMP)
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement where you make affordable payments towards your debts based on what you can realistically afford.
May be suitable if:
You can afford to make a regular monthly payment
You cannot afford full contractual payments to all creditors
Your income is stable but limited
You want a flexible arrangement that can change if your circumstances change
Things to be aware of:
A DMP is usually an informal arrangement
Interest and charges may continue, although creditors often agree to stop them. This cannot be guaranteed.
It can take a long time to clear your debts
It can affect your credit score
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal, legally binding agreement to repay part of your debts over a fixed period, usually five or six years.
May be suitable if:
You have a stable, regular income
You can commit to fixed payments, usually for five or six years
You have a meaningful level of surplus income each month
You have assets you want to protect
Things to be aware of:
Many IVAs are run by commercial firms who charge high fees
Much of your early payments may go toward fees and commission
IVAs can fail if circumstances change
If an IVA fails, you may still owe the debts and could face other options such as bankruptcy
It will appear on your credit report for six years
We can refer you to a reputable provider if an IVA appears to be the right option for you.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process that can clear most debts and provide a fresh start when other debt options are not suitable. It is more commonly relevant where debts are higher or more complex.
May be suitable if:
Your debts are unmanageable and continuing to grow, particularly where the overall level of debt is relatively high
Long-term repayment is not realistic, even at reduced or token levels
You have little realistic prospect of repaying your debts through a DRO or a DMP within a reasonable timeframe
Other debt options are unlikely to work for your situation
If you have no or low value assets
(Note: bankruptcy is not based on a strict debt limit, but is usually considered where lower-level solutions are not appropriate.)
Things to be aware of:
Bankruptcy will appear on your credit file for six years
Some assets may be sold to help repay debts
There are restrictions on your finances for a period of time
Certain types of work or roles may be affected
There is an application fee of £680 payable to the government (some people may be eligible for help with this)
You may have to make monthly contributions for up to 3 years
We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option clearly and calmly, so you can make a confident decision.