DMP Advice — One Affordable Payment & Calmer Creditor Contact

See if a Debt Management Plan can simplify payments and help freeze or reduce interest. We’ll check eligibility, fees vs free, likely timelines and safer alternatives — free and confidential.

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England, Wales & NI Flexible & informal Interest freeze not guaranteed Priority bills first

DMP advice — What It Is, Who Qualifies, Fees, Process & Alternatives

Quick answer: A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal way to repay non-priority unsecured debts via one affordable monthly payment. Your provider distributes payments and asks creditors to freeze or reduce interest and ease enforcement — this is not guaranteed. We’ll explain if a DMP fits and when a formal option (IVA/DRO) is safer.

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What Is a Debt Management Plan (DMP)?

A DMP is an agreement where you pay a single, affordable amount towards your unsecured, non-priority debts. Your provider shares this between creditors and requests interest/charge freezes. You can cancel any time, but creditors aren’t legally obliged to accept terms.

Independent guidance: MoneyHelperCitizens AdviceStepChange

Check If a DMP Suits Me

DMP Eligibility — Do You Qualify?

Good indicators you’re in DMP territory:

If you’re facing bailiffs or court action, we’ll stabilise things first (e.g., Breathing Space) then place suitable debts into a plan.

Free 60–90s Eligibility Check

DMP Costs — Fee vs Free Providers

Free DMPs exist via some charities; every pound goes to creditors. Fee-charging firms take a monthly management fee (and sometimes a setup fee), which can slow repayment. We’ll show the true cost of each route and when IVA/DRO may clear unaffordable debt faster.

Tip: always check FCA authorisation, service scope and cancellation terms.

Compare My Options Fairly

The DMP Process — Step-by-Step

  1. Free assessment: We review debts, income, spending, and priorities.
  2. Budget & proposal: Set a fair, affordable payment and ask for interest freezes.
  3. Start payments: Provider distributes to creditors; contact typically eases.
  4. Reviews: Annual + on-demand reviews to keep payments realistic.
  5. Completion: Debts are cleared when balances reach £0 (timeline varies).
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What Creditors Typically Do in a DMP

Outcome varies by creditor and your circumstances.

Ask Us to Approach Your Creditors

Mortgages & Renting While on a DMP

DMPs can add arrangement-to-pay or defaults to your file, affecting new mortgages or some tenancies. With stable conduct and time, many still rent or remortgage later. Timing, deposit, and specialist brokers matter.

Plan a Mortgage/Renting Timeline

Priority Debts & Breathing Space

Protect essentials first: rent/mortgage, council tax, energy, court fines, CMS and some taxes. Breathing Space (England & Wales) can pause most enforcement/interest up to 60 days while you set a plan. Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space lasts longer.

See If I Qualify for Breathing Space

Alternatives to a DMP

Compare DMP vs IVA vs DRO

DIY / Self-Managed DMP

You can run a DMP yourself by writing to creditors with your budget and a fair offer, then paying each monthly. Pros: control and no fees. Cons: admin heavy; interest freezes not guaranteed; you handle all follow-ups.

Get DIY DMP Letters & Budget Template

Switching or Cancelling a DMP

Because a DMP is informal, you can cancel or switch provider. Keep statements, confirm notice terms, and tell creditors who will handle payments next (or that you’ll self-manage).

Move to a Better DMP (Free Help)

Will Creditors Freeze Interest?

It’s requested—not guaranteed. Many creditors agree when the plan is fair and payments are regular. If one won’t, we can escalate, offer a short token plan, or reassess whether IVA/DRO suits better.

Ask Us to Re-Negotiate Interest

Bank Accounts & Overdrafts on a DMP

If you owe your current bank, consider opening a separate basic account elsewhere first to avoid right of set-off. Move income and priority bills before starting the plan.

Ask Which Account to Use

Scotland: DAS & Trust Deeds

In Scotland, the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a formal payment programme (interest/charges frozen once approved). A Protected Trust Deed is similar to an IVA. We’ll guide the right nation-specific route.

See Scotland-Specific Options

Real DMP Stories

Jane, Stoke-on-Trent: £14,200 across cards/loan. DMP at £160/month. Four of five creditors froze interest within eight weeks; estimated term ~74 months vs 10+ years at mins (subject to creditor decisions).

Amir, Leeds: Variable income contractor. Flexible DMP (£110 base; £70–£140 range) avoided arrears and shortened his horizon by ~18 months.

Sophie, Cardiff: Council tax + energy arrears addressed via Breathing Space; then DMP at £125/month for cards. Bailiff risk eased and plan stabilised.

Read More Testimonials

DMP — Frequently Asked Questions

Does a DMP guarantee interest freezing?

No. Many creditors do freeze when the offer is fair and consistent, but it’s not guaranteed.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes — it’s informal. Check your agreement for any notice period and how to stop payments safely.

Will I lose my home or car?

No — DMPs cover unsecured debts. Keep secured payments (mortgage/HP) up to date.

What if bills spike mid-plan?

Request an on-demand review. We’ll adjust payments to protect essentials and prevent arrears.

Can a DMP help with bailiffs?

It can reduce pressure, but it isn’t a legal shield. Consider Breathing Space for immediate protection.

How long does a DMP last?

Typically 3–7 years, depending on debt total, interest freezing and your monthly payment.

Will I have to close credit cards?

Cards included in the plan usually need to be stopped/closed; new borrowing is discouraged.

What about joint/guarantor debts?

Joint debts affect both parties; guarantor loans can impact the guarantor. We’ll map the risks and options.

How Fresh Start Debt Support Helps You

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Your Fresh Start with a DMP Begins Today

A DMP can simplify payments, calm creditor contact and may help reduce interest. We’ll guide you step-by-step — and tell you frankly if a different solution is safer.

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