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Considering a DRO?

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i England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Debt relief order (DRO)

DRO. Guide to debt relief orders

A debt relief order (DRO) helps you write off debt that you cannot pay in a reasonable amount of time.

You cannot get a DRO if you live in Scotland. In Scotland, a minimal asset process (MAP) is a similar solution, but it has different benefits, risks and fees.

DROs are suited to people with:


  • A low amount of debt
  • Few assets

In this section you can learn:


  • About DROs
  • How to apply
  • What criteria you need to meet to be eligible for one

It is worth reading all of the pages in this section to understand the benefits and risks.

Find out if you can get a DRO

dad and daughter cooking

Considering a DRO?

We can help with free, impartial debt advice online now.

Get debt help

Common questions about DROs

Can you get a DRO if you work?

A DRO is designed to help people with a lower income.

Income is any money you get from:


  • Wages
  • Benefits
  • Pensions
  • And other sources

You can apply for a DRO if:

In England and Wales:

You have less than £75 left over after paying all your household bills and living costs

In Northern Ireland:

You have less than £50 left over after paying all your household bills and living costs

You must meet all other criteria too.

Find out more about getting a DRO.

What happens after a debt relief order?

Any debt included in your DRO is written off after 12 months.

Details of your DRO are recorded:


  • On the public insolvency register for three more months
  • In your credit file for six years from the date the DRO is approved

What happens after a DRO?

How long does a DRO stay on your credit file?

 A DRO shows on your credit file for six years from the date it is approved.

How does a DRO affect me?

Can having a DRO stop bailiffs?

The people you owe can still contact you if you have a DRO. But they cannot:


  • Demand payment, or
  • Start court action against you

Bailiffs stop trying to recover a debt if:


  • It is included in your DRO
  • Your DRO is approved
  • No goods have been taken into control

You may have to keep paying an existing controlled goods agreement.

Bailiff action can continue for:


  • Criminal fines or
  • Child maintenance

These types of debt cannot be included in a DRO.

Find out more about creditor contact on a DRO.

What is a DRO?

In this section you can find out:


  • About DROs
  • How to apply
  • What criteria you need to meet

It is worth reading all of the pages in this section, to understand:


  • The benefits and risks
  • What debts will be included in a DRO
  • The restrictions you will face