What happens after Breathing Space

Breathing Space usually lasts for 60 days. This gives you time to take control of your finances.

During Breathing Space, you should try to:

• Keep getting debt advice
• Set up a debt solution

In Scotland, you may be able to apply for a "debt moratorium period". It is similar to Breathing Space but affects you in different ways.

About Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free government scheme that stops you being chased for debts.

• What is Breathing Space and how to apply 
• What happens during Breathing Space
• What happens after Breathing Space

My debt solution is set up

Did you finish debt advice during your 60 days of Breathing Space?

We will let you know when your Breathing Space ends.

Remember, you cannot apply again for 12 months.

I do not have a debt solution yet

Try to make payments if you do not have a debt solution yet.

Get debt advice as soon as you can. Especially if you are still struggling to afford payments.

This is the best way to:

• Find out what the best options are for you
• Set up a solution
• Take control of your finances

Get free, confidential debt advice online.

What can the people I owe do after Breathing Space ends?

Once the people you owe know that your Breathing Space has ended, they can:

• Add interest, charges, and fees
• They do this from the end date of your Breathing Space
• They cannot backdate these for the time you were on Breathing Space
• Unless they have a court order
• Take action to reclaim the debt, including contacting you
• Start or resume court action

They are less likely to take these actions if:

• You have started a debt solution or
• Made a formal arrangement with them