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Low-cost debt solution

Write off qualifying debts after 12 months with a Debt Relief Order

A DRO is designed for people with low income and few assets. Pay a single £90 fee, make no monthly payments, and after 12 months your qualifying debts are written off completely.

Check if you qualifySee all solutions
Total cost
£90
Until write-off
12 months
Max debt
£30k
Payments
£0/month
A woman in her sixties sitting in her armchair at home holding a letter, looking calmly out of the window, family photographs on the table beside her.

Why choose a Debt Relief Order

Debts written off in 12 months

After just 12 months, all debts included in your DRO are written off completely. No further payments required.

No monthly payments

Unlike other debt solutions, a DRO requires no monthly payments. Your debts are frozen for the full 12-month period.

Just £90 to apply

The total cost of a DRO is a single £90 fee. There are no ongoing adviser fees or hidden charges.

Legal protection from creditors

Once approved, your creditors must stop all contact and enforcement action. You are legally protected for the full 12 months.

Interest and charges frozen

No new interest, penalty fees, or default charges can be added to your qualifying debts during the moratorium.

Advice and application help

Our initial advice comes with no obligation. An authorised debt adviser handles your entire application to the Insolvency Service.

Your route out of debt

  1. Day 1

    No-obligation assessment

    A qualified debt adviser at an authorised partner reviews your income, outgoings, debts, and assets. They explain whether a DRO is right for you — with no pressure and no obligation.

  2. Week 1–2

    Application prepared

    Your authorised debt adviser completes your DRO application and submits it to the Insolvency Service on your behalf. You do not need to deal with the Insolvency Service directly.

  3. Month 1

    DRO approved

    Once the Insolvency Service approves your application, a 12-month moratorium begins. Your creditors must stop all contact and enforcement action immediately.

  4. Month 12

    Debts written off

    After 12 months, your DRO ends and all debts included in the order are written off entirely. You get a genuine fresh start with no remaining balance to pay.

Is this right for you?

You’re likely a fit if…

  • Your total debts are under £30,000
  • Your assets are worth less than £2,000
  • Your surplus income is under £75 per month
  • You do not own your home
  • You are a UK resident (England, Wales, or Northern Ireland)

It may not be right if…

  • You own your home or have significant property
  • Your total debts are over £30,000
  • You have assets worth more than £2,000
  • You have had a DRO in the last 6 years
  • You are running a business or are self-employed with significant assets
Check in 2 minutes

Questions, answered honestly

  • How long does a DRO last?

    A Debt Relief Order lasts for 12 months from the date it is approved by the Insolvency Service. During this period, your creditors cannot chase you for payment or take enforcement action. At the end of the 12 months, all debts included in the DRO are written off completely.

  • Can I apply for a DRO myself?

    No, you cannot apply for a DRO directly. You must go through an authorised debt adviser — sometimes called an approved intermediary — who will complete and submit the application to the Insolvency Service on your behalf. We can connect you with an authorised adviser as part of our no-obligation assessment.

  • What happens to my bank account?

    If you owe money to your bank or building society, they may use your DRO as a reason to close your account or offset funds against your debt. For this reason, you may need to open a new bank account with a different provider before your DRO is approved. Your partner adviser will help you plan for this.

  • Will a DRO affect my job?

    For most people, a DRO will not affect their employment. However, certain professions — such as solicitors, accountants, and some roles in financial services — may be affected. If you work in a regulated industry or hold a position of trust, your adviser will discuss any potential implications with you before you apply.

  • What debts can’t be included in a DRO?

    Certain debts cannot be included in a Debt Relief Order. These include student loans, magistrates court fines, child maintenance arrears, social fund loans, and debts arising from fraud. However, most forms of unsecured debt — including credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, catalogue debt, and utility arrears — can be included.

Struggling with debt? See your options in 2 minutes.

Confidential and non-judgmental. Start by telling us roughly how much you owe.

Under £6,000£6,000 – £30,000£30,000 or more

No obligation · Won’t affect your credit score