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Managing an IVA

Individual voluntary arrangement. Tips to keep your IVA on track

Starting an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) is a big step. Your IVA supervisor can help you every step of the way.

Here are some ways to make life easier during your IVA.

Considering an IVA?

IVAs are arranged by StepChange Voluntary Arrangements, part of StepChange Debt Charity. In Scotland, a protected trust deed is a similar solution. This has different benefits, risks and fees.

You can only get an IVA with the help of an insolvency practitioner. StepChange is an approved organisation to manage IVAs.


  1. Use our free online advice tool to see if an IVA is right for you
  2. StepChange Voluntary Arrangements can help you through the set up process
  3. We review your finances and put the IVA proposal to the people you owe
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Thinking about an IVA?

We can help. Free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

What can I do to keep my IVA on track? 

1. Read your review letter and budget carefully

Your budget is built to cover your living expenses during your IVA.

Use this to manage your money between reviews.

2. Be vigilant with your budget

Keep track of any changes in your spending.

Making a budget can help you understand where your money goes.

3. Tell your supervisor if you cannot afford your IVA payment

Things change and life happens.

Tell your IVA supervisor about unexpected costs or if you are struggling to pay.

They can help you decide what to do next.

4. Tell your supervisor if you get any tax rebates

Tell your IVA supervisor about any extra income like overtime or bonuses.

This also includes any unexpected money you receive, like:


  • A tax rebate
  • Inheritance
  • Insurance payout
  • Or other windfall

You could break the terms of your IVA if you do not.

5. Keep track of all your paperwork

File your paperwork so it is easy to find what you need.

Try to do this as soon as possible.

6. Call your IVA supervisor with any questions or concerns

Talk to your IVA supervisor as soon as you can.

They are there to help you with any problems making your IVA payments.

7. Help your IVA supervisor resolve any issues

Quickly resolving any issue with your IVA is the best way to keep it on track.

Respond as soon as you can if your IVA supervisor contacts you.

Clare Lindley and James O'Carroll of StepChange Voluntary Arrangements are licensed to act as insolvency practitioners in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association.

Things to avoid on an IVA

1. Do not ignore your sundries and emergencies

Make sure to put money in your budget for:


  • Sundries
  • Emergencies
  • Unexpected costs

This way you are protected if the fridge breaks or there is a family emergency.

Put the money in a separate account or jam jar if easier.

2. Do not pay unsecured creditors separately to your IVA

Your creditors are bound by the terms of your IVA.

They should not ask you to pay anything extra to them.

Talk to your IVA supervisor if they try to get more money from you.

3. Do not borrow any money during your IVA

You must talk to your IVA supervisor before borrowing money.

In most cases, you cannot take out loans or credit while your IVA is active.

This includes borrowing from family and friends.

4. Do not use an overdraft

Using an overdraft counts as borrowing money.

5. Do not worry too much about letters from the people you owe

You do not need to do anything about statements.

Send any threat of action letter to your IVA supervisor. They can look into it for you.

6. Do not buy a car

Talk to your IVA supervisor before you replace or buy a new a car.

Cars are assets and can affect your IVA.

Considering an IVA? Get free debt advice.

Use our online debt help tool to see if an IVA is right for you.

StepChange Voluntary Arrangements is a registered trading name of Consumer Credit Counselling Service Voluntary Arrangements Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of StepChange Debt Charity.