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Considering a DRO?

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

Get debt help

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

Changes to debt relief orders

The government is making changes to who can apply for a DRO.

From 28 June, in England and Wales, people may be able to apply for a DRO:

  •  With a debt amount of £50,000 or under. The current limit is £30,000
  • If they own a vehicle worth £4,000 or under. The current limit is £2,000

What this means for you if you have had advice and been recommended bankruptcy

The advice we gave you is still right for your situation. However, a DRO may also be available to you after 28 June.

If you want to see if a DRO will be a better option for you than bankruptcy after the changes, please: 

  • Log on to your account after 28 June and complete another debt advice session. Remember to wait until 28 June if you decide to do this. This also gives you the chance to check your information and update your online account if anything has changed since you first got debt advice
  • Stop your bankruptcy application and any payments to the fee until you have decided which solution is right for you
  • Find a way to deal with your creditors in the meantime, such as Breathing Space or forbearance. There is more information about these options in your personal action plan

Bankruptcy may still be the option you decide to go ahead with, and your advice may not change. We cannot guarantee a DRO will be available to you after the changes take place.

For more information about DROs, please visit read our guide.

What if I have started my bankruptcy application?

If you don’t want to see if a DRO is now right for you, you don’t need to do anything. You can ignore this email and carry on with your bankruptcy application.

If you have started your application and not paid your full fee, you can still wait until 28 June and check if bankruptcy is still right for you.

Just log into your online account and complete another advice session. If, after 28 June, a DRO is now the option you want to go ahead with, you can cancel your bankruptcy application. Any money you have paid to the fee will be refunded to you.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

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