Confidential UK Debt Help

Debt Relief Order (DRO) Help

A Debt Relief Order is designed for people with low income and few assets. Learn how a DRO works and see if you’re eligible.

To find out more about managing your money and getting free advice, visit Money Helper, an independent service set up to help people manage their money.

Complete the questions below and see if you qualify for DRO help.

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What we cover

Debts commonly included in a Debt Relief Order (DRO)

A Debt Relief Order is designed for qualifying unsecured debts. If you meet the DRO criteria, these debt types can usually be included—helping to freeze interest and write off what you can’t afford.

Unsecured Loans

Store Cards

Utility Bills

Business Debt

Catalogue

Overdrafts

● What to do

Debt Relief Order (DRO): 3 Simple Steps

Getting out of debt can feel overwhelming but taking it one step at a time can lead you to complete financial freedom. Our process is simple, supportive, and tailored to your situation.

01

02

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Check if you meet the DRO criteria

Answer a few quick questions about your debts, income and assets. We’ll check the current limits (debt up to £50,000, surplus income, and asset thresholds) to see if a DRO could be suitable.

Speak to an approved DRO adviser

A qualified DRO intermediary talks through the pros and cons, helps gather documents, and prepares your application to the Insolvency Service so everything is completed correctly.

Application submitted & protection starts

Once your DRO is approved, included debts are frozen for 12 months. If your situation doesn’t improve during that period, those qualifying debts can then be written off, giving you a fresh start.

Check if you qualify

How a Debt Relief Order (DRO) works for you

Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal insolvency solution for people with low income, little or no assets, and qualifying unsecured debts. Once approved, it usually lasts for a set period (often 12 months) where your eligible debts are frozen and enforcement is paused. If your situation hasn’t improved by the end of the DRO, those qualifying debts are then written off.

Check if you qualify

What happens during a DRO

If a DRO is suitable, an approved adviser helps you complete the application, check you meet the legal criteria and debt limits, and submit everything to the Official Receiver. Creditors covered by the DRO should then stop most collection and enforcement while it’s in place. You’re expected to report any big changes in income or assets, but if things stay the same or get worse, your included debts are wiped at the end of the DRO period.

Struggling with unaffordable unsecured debt?

Considering a Debt Relief Order (DRO)? A DRO can write off qualifying debts after 12 months if your situation doesn’t improve. We can make an initial assessment to confirm whether you meet the criteria (debt under the set limit, low surplus income and minimal assets) and explain the pros and cons — the £90 application fee has been scrapped.

The IVA difference

8 Ways a Debt Relief Order (DRO) Can Help You

Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal debt solution for people with low disposable income and few assets. If you qualify, it can pause creditor action for 12 months and then write off qualifying debts if your situation hasn’t improved. (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only.)

1

No application fee in England & Wales — the previous £90 fee has been removed

2

12-month breathing space: creditors included in the DRO must stop enforcement

3

Most qualifying unsecured debts can be written off after 12 months

4

Interest and charges on included debts are frozen during the DRO period

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Helps stop most creditor contact and bailiff action on debts covered by the DRO

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You keep essential items — asset limits apply, and a car up to £4,000 can usually be exempt

7

Designed for low surplus income (typically £75 or less per month after essentials)

8

Covers total qualifying debts up to £50,000 (current eligibility cap)

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No long forms. No judgement. Just confidential, practical help — usually within the same working day.

● DRO

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about how an IVA works, who qualifies, and how it protects your financial future.

A DRO is a formal, government-approved solution for people with low income, few assets and unmanageable unsecured debts. It usually lasts 12 months. During that time, payments, interest and most enforcement on included debts are frozen. If your situation hasn’t improved at the end, those qualifying debts can be written off.

You may qualify if you:

• Have total qualifying debts of £50,000 or less
• Have little or no spare income each month (typically £75 or less)
• Have limited assets (usually under £2,000, with a car worth up to £4,000 allowed)
• Are not a homeowner
• Live in, or have recently lived or worked in, England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
You can’t apply on your own. DROs must be submitted by an approved debt adviser (also called an intermediary). We’ll run through some quick questions, then connect you to an authorised adviser who completes and submits your application to the Insolvency Service if a DRO is suitable.
No. The previous £90 application fee in England and Wales has been scrapped. There’s no fee to enter a DRO.
Most unsecured debts can usually be included, such as:

• Credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans
• Store cards and catalogues
• Council tax arrears and utility arrears
• Some benefit overpayments and rent arrears (if you’ve moved)

Your adviser will go through each debt and confirm what can be listed in your DRO.

You’ll still be responsible for certain debts, including:

• Student loans
• Court fines and criminal penalties
• Child maintenance or CSA arrears
• Social Fund loans
• Debts secured against property or a vehicle

Your adviser will explain which debts must continue to be paid.

No. The previous £90 application fee in England and Wales has been scrapped. There’s no fee to enter a DRO.
DROs are designed for people who don’t own a home and have few assets. Your adviser will go through your assets and explain what is and isn’t allowed before applying.
DROs are designed for people who don’t own a home and have few assets. Your adviser will go through your assets and explain what is and isn’t allowed before applying.
A DRO can be a powerful fresh start if you have low income, low assets and debts within the limit — but it isn’t right for everyone. We can help you understand the pros, cons and long-term impact before deciding. Alternatives could be IVA, Debt Management Plan or Bankruptcy.
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