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Thinking about going ahead with MAP?

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i Scotland only

MAP bankruptcy. What is it?

The minimal asset process (MAP) is a type of bankruptcy for people with low incomes and few or no assets. It writes off debt it would take a long time to pay.

MAP bankruptcy is not available in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In these countries, a debt relief order (DRO) is a similar solution with  different benefits, risks and fees.

Can I apply for MAP?

To apply for MAP bankruptcy you must meet these conditions:


  • You must live in Scotland, or have lived in Scotland in the last 12 months
  • Your debts are less than £25,000
  • Your car is worth £3,000 or less
  • Your other assets are worth less than £2,000 in total, with no single item worth more than £1,000
  • You are not a homeowner
  • You have not gone through sequestration, which is bankruptcy in Scotland, in the last five years

Your income must be either:


  • Solely from income-related benefits such as jobseekers allowance (JSA)
  • Too small to pay anything else after essential living costs

Free multilingual debt guide

Download our free guide to help with money worries

Our guide to debt in Scotland covers:


  • The debt collection processes
  • Where to get help
  • Budgeting
  • What to expect from a debt advice session

Download in English, Urdu, Punjabi or Polish. Find out more.

The MAP application process

You need advice from an approved money advice organisation. You cannot apply without doing this first.

We can help if MAP bankruptcy is the best option for you.


  • We will need you to send us details of your income and debts
  • We will check all your paperwork
  • We will provide all the support you need
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MAP bankruptcy makes your details viewable on the Register of Insolvencies (ROI) for five years. This is available to the public.

There is a fee to pay when you apply. But, you may not have to pay this due to your financial situation. Your advisor will speak to you about this when your application is ready to submit.


mum at the table with bills

Thinking about going ahead with MAP?

We're here to help. Free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

Minimal asset process FAQs

Which debts are included in MAP bankruptcy?

Most debts can be included.

Some debts are not covered and you must keep paying them. These include:


What happens once my MAP bankruptcy is awarded?

You need to meet the conditions of your MAP bankruptcy.

You are discharged six months after it is awarded.

Can the people I owe contact me?

Once your MAP bankruptcy is approved:


Are there any restrictions with MAP?

After six months on MAP, you are discharged. It takes a further six months to finalise.

You are under certain restrictions during this time.

You must tell the lender you are bankrupt before you borrow more than £2,000, either on your own or with someone else.

It can be seen as an offence if you do not comply. This could lead to a fine, or in rare cases, prison.

What else does MAP bankruptcy affect?

MAP bankruptcy may affect you in other ways, including:

Your bank account:

Your bank may close or freeze your account.

Your job:

Check your job contract to see if bankruptcy or insolvency affects your employment.

Your HR department can help with this.

Your residence:

Some private landlords may evict tenants if they go bankrupt, especially if they have rent arrears.

This is because rent arrears are included in MAP bankruptcy.

Your self-employment:

MAP bankruptcy may make it harder to trade if you are self-employed.

Especially if you use credit to pay for stock or services.

Does MAP bankruptcy affect my credit file?

MAP bankruptcy affects your credit rating.

It appears on your credit file for six years.

It may be hard to get more credit during this time, and after you are discharged.

Can you give MAP bankruptcy help?

Use our online debt advice tool to find out if MAP bankruptcy is right for you.