Low income or few assets? A DRO can pause most enforcement and — if your situation doesn’t improve — write off qualifying debts after 12 months. Free, confidential eligibility check.
✅ Check My DRO EligibilityA Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal UK solution for people with low income, few assets, and lower levels of debt. It pauses most action from creditors for 12 months and, if your situation doesn’t improve, qualifying debts are written off at the end of the period.
This guide explains eligibility, fees, what debts are included, how a DRO affects your credit file, and how to apply with an authorised intermediary. If a DRO isn’t right for you, we’ll compare alternatives like a DMP or IVA.
2025 fast facts: the £90 fee has been removed (from 6 April 2024), and current guidance sets typical thresholds around debts ≤ £50,000, assets ≤ £2,000, one vehicle ≤ £4,000, and surplus income < £75/month (we confirm your exact position in a free check).
Start My Free DRO CheckPrefer to compare first? See Compare Solutions or read about Breathing Space.
Once approved, a DRO usually lasts 12 months. During that time, most enforcement and new interest/charges on included debts are paused. If your finances don’t improve by the end, the included debts are written off.
Eligibility rules are set so DROs help households under genuine pressure. We’ll confirm the latest thresholds in your free check, but you’ll typically need to:
If you don’t fit these rules, you might be better with a DMP or IVA. We’ll explain both routes clearly.
Check My DRO Eligibility NowHelpful reads: Council Tax Debt · Utility Bills · Klarna/BNPL
We’ll confirm pros/cons versus other solutions so you choose with confidence.
See If a DRO Is Right for MeExplore your choices then decide: Compare Solutions, IVA, DMP.
Compare All SolutionsTip: If you’re under urgent pressure now, ask about Breathing Space while we set things up.
Get Help ApplyingCommonly included:
Usually excluded: secured debts (mortgage, HP on car), court fines, student loans. We’ll check each account for you.
Credit Card Debt HelpA DRO is normally recorded for six years from approval. It signals difficulty, but it also shows you took steps to resolve things. We’ll discuss rebuilding steps while protecting essentials.
Next steps: after stabilising with a DRO or alternative, plan a modest rebuild strategy (on-time priority bills, low utilisation) and use our Debt Calculator to sense-check affordability.
Rebuild After a DRONot within a six-year window in most cases. If you’ve had a DRO before, we’ll discuss alternatives.
You must tell the official receiver. If your situation changes, the DRO may be affected and we’ll help you review options.
DROs apply to England & Wales. Scotland has Trust Deeds; Northern Ireland has separate procedures.
The historic £90 fee was removed in April 2024. We’ll explain what you need now to submit an application.
During a DRO, most enforcement and new interest/charges are paused for included debts.
Ask a SpecialistWe also publish practical guides on stopping debt collectors, business debt, and more.
Start My DRO Application“On a low income, I felt stuck. The DRO paused the pressure and wiped the balances at the end. Fresh Start made it simple.” – Hannah, Sheffield
Read More Testimonials“I didn’t think there was a route without bankruptcy. The DRO fit my situation perfectly.” – Dave, Liverpool
We’ll confirm the latest thresholds, check your eligibility, and compare alternatives so you choose confidently.
Get My Free DRO AssessmentStill exploring? Try the Debt Calculator or Compare Solutions.
Yes — the historic £90 fee was abolished on 6 April 2024. If you saw older advice mentioning a fee, that’s out of date. We’ll confirm exactly what you need now and help you submit fast.
If cost has stopped you before, this change removes a key barrier. Use Breathing Space if you need a 60-day pause while we finalise your application.
Start Free DRO CheckTypically you can keep a single vehicle worth up to about £4,000 (or adapted for disability), as part of the asset limits. We’ll check market value and how it fits with your other assets (usually capped around £2,000).
If your car is above the cap, we’ll discuss alternatives (e.g., DMP or IVA) so you can protect essentials like work and family transport.
Check If Your Car QualifiesYes — DROs are designed for low income situations (including benefits). The key is your surplus income after essentials — generally under £75/month. We’ll build a realistic budget that protects rent, energy and council tax before looking at debts.
If you’re not a match, a short-term £1 token plan or Breathing Space can stabilise things while we line up the best long-term route.
Check If You Qualify on BenefitsUsually you can’t have another DRO within six years of your last one. After that period, it may be possible if you meet the rules again. If not, explore DMP or IVA for protection and a single affordable payment.
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm what’s realistic — no judgement, just clear options.
Ask About a Second DROYes — council tax arrears are generally included. That said, current year council tax and other priority bills still need paying where possible. If bailiffs are contacting you, read Council Tax Debt and Stop Debt Collectors for calm steps that work.
If you qualify, a DRO plus good communication can stop the spiral and protect your household essentials.
Include My Council Tax in a Plan