What is the debt and mental health evidence form (DMHEF)?

The debt and mental health evidence form (DMHEF) helps your creditors understand any mental health issues you are going through.

It gives your consent for them to get information from your doctor or health professional.

It may make them more sensitive to your needs.

Download a DMHEF here (PDF)

Give this blank form to a health or social-care professional to fill in.

Your creditor must make appropriate adjustments to their collections process when they receive your form.

• They must take your specific case into account
• They can help more with a detailed and well-written DMHEF

Complete and sign a consent form before giving it to your health or social-care professional.

• The DMHEF and consent form are approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office
• Both carry the Plain English Campaign’s Crystal Mark
• It is also recognised by the FCA, the organisation that regulates the credit industry

We can help if you are struggling with your mental health and debt.

Get free, expert advice online or over the phone.

How to complete a debt and mental health evidence form

1. Complete and sign a consent form

This form says they can share medical information with the people you owe.

Download a consent form here (PDF)

2. Give your consent form and a blank DMHEF to your GP or other professional

This must be someone who can give detailed advice on your mental health problems.

It could be a:

• Nurse
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• GP
• Social worker

3. Ask them to complete the DMHEF in full and return it to you

• The DMHEF must be stamped by the professional
• Otherwise it cannot be used

4. All the questions on the form must be completed

Question 4 is particularly important:

• Q4. Does the person have a mental health problem that affects their ability to manage their money?
• This question should be answered ‘yes’
• There should be details of how your condition makes it harder to manage money

Will a debt and mental health evidence form write off my debt?

It is rare that creditors write off debt just because of a DMHEF.

But they may write off part of it.

Find out more about asking creditors to write off your debt.

Do I have to pay for a DMHEF?

In England

No. This would go against a GP's contract with the NHS trust.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

A GP can ask for payment. But this is rare.