Fresh Start Debt Support
Find out if an Individual Voluntary Arrangement can reduce your payments and write off unaffordable debts after completion.
✅ Start Free IVA CheckQuick answer: An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding plan that typically freezes interest and creditor enforcement while you make one affordable monthly payment. After successful completion, remaining qualifying unsecured debt is legally written off. We’ll confirm if you’re eligible and explain every trade-off.
Start My Free IVA CheckTo meet IVA UK eligibility, you’ll usually need:
Eligibility is checked case-by-case. We’ll confirm your options and explain any trade-offs, including alternatives if an IVA isn’t best. See independent guidance from MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.
Check My IVA Eligibility (Free)If you’ve searched simply for “IVA” you’re likely looking for: what an IVA is, who qualifies, what it costs, how long it lasts, and how it compares with a DRO or bankruptcy. This page answers all of that in one place and links to official guidance for added reassurance.
An IVA is a legally binding agreement with your creditors to repay what you can afford over a fixed period (usually 5–6 years). Once approved, interest and most enforcement are typically frozen. After successful completion, remaining qualifying unsecured debt is legally written off. It’s overseen by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. See official GOV.UK guidance for the formal definition.
See the IVA Process Step-by-StepUsually included (unsecured): credit/store cards, catalogues, loans, payday loans, overdrafts, BNPL, utility arrears and some HMRC debts.
Not included: secured debts (e.g., mortgages, HP), student loans, child maintenance and most fines. You must maintain secured payments alongside your IVA. For neutral guidance see StepChange on IVAs.
Help with Credit Card Debt Support for Loan DebtYou don’t pay IVA fees upfront. They’re taken from your affordable monthly payment and agreed with creditors:
Fees are transparent, regulated and shown in writing before you decide. See the IVA Protocol and the Insolvency Service blog.
See My Likely IVA CostsMost IVAs run for 5–6 years. If you have home equity that can’t be released, a 12-month extension is sometimes proposed instead of a sale. We’ll set expectations clearly at the start.
Read FAQs on IVA Duration“What is IVA?” is the classic short-form query. It means the same as “what is an IVA” — a formal, legally binding agreement where you repay what you can afford for a fixed term, with interest/charges usually frozen and remaining qualifying unsecured debt written off on successful completion. Independent explanations: GOV.UK, MoneyHelper.
Check If an IVA Fits MeIn England & Wales, an IVA is set up and supervised by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. Creditors vote — if at least 75% by value of those who vote agree, the IVA is approved and binds all included creditors. You keep paying priority bills (rent, council tax, utilities) and make one affordable monthly payment. See GOV.UK and Insolvency Service.
See the IVA StepsAn IVA in the UK is a court-recognised agreement that pauses most enforcement once approved and channels your affordable income toward debts for a set term. At completion, any qualifying unpaid balance is written off. It’s designed to give you structure and protection without the full consequences of bankruptcy. Neutral explainers: Citizens Advice, StepChange.
Start a Free IVA CheckPeople say “IVA debt” to mean debts that go into an IVA: unsecured borrowing like credit cards, loans, overdrafts, catalogues, BNPL, utility arrears and some HMRC arrears. Secured debts (mortgage, HP) are not included, but you must keep paying them. Once your IVA starts, interest/charges are typically frozen and collections pressure should reduce. See debts you can include and how protections work.
See If My Debts QualifyIndependent sources: GOV.UK, MoneyHelper.
See Our Step-by-StepGood indicators you’re in IVA territory:
Rules differ for Scotland (Trust Deeds). For impartial reading see Citizens Advice.
Free 60–90s Eligibility CheckApplying is straightforward and handled by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner:
There are no upfront fees; IVA fees are taken from your affordable payment once approved (see costs).
Apply for an IVA (Free Assessment)All fees are built into your contribution and agreed with creditors. Typical components:
Because fees come from what you can afford, they don’t increase your monthly payment: they’re part of it. Read more on Insolvency Service and the IVA Protocol.
See My Likely FeesYour payment is based on disposable income after essential bills (rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transport, childcare). We use recognised household guideline ranges to keep it fair. If income drops or costs rise, your IP can review and propose changes so the IVA stays sustainable. Guidance on how IVAs work is available from MoneyHelper.
Estimate with the CalculatorSome HMRC debts (for example, income tax/VAT arrears) can be included and voted on by HMRC. They may set conditions (like keeping filings/payments up to date). Not every liability is eligible; your IP will confirm what can go in your case. For impartial info, see StepChange and GOV.UK.
Ask About HMRC in an IVAAn Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a statutory debt solution where you and your creditors agree a binding plan, supervised by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner, typically lasting 5–6 years. It offers legal structure, freezes interest/most enforcement once approved, and can write off remaining qualifying unsecured debt on completion. See the formal definition and the Insolvency Service overview.
Get Help with an IVAAn Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to repay debts you can reasonably afford over a set period (usually 5–6 years). It’s managed by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP). Once approved, interest/charges are typically frozen and creditors are generally prevented from taking further enforcement.
Check If I Qualify for an IVAIVAs are typically suitable if you:
Eligibility depends on debts, income, expenses and assets. We’ll run a free check and show the pros and cons, including alternatives if an IVA isn’t the best fit.
Check My IVA Eligibility Compare with a DMPBankruptcy can be quicker for a clean break, but may risk assets and impose stricter restrictions. An IVA offers:
We’ll compare both routes privately and recommend the safest option for your goals.
Learn About Bankruptcy Compare IVA vs BankruptcyUsually included:
Not included: Secured debts (e.g., mortgages, HP car finance). These run alongside your IVA, and you must maintain payments. Certain debts like child maintenance and some fines are not usually written off.
Help with Credit Card Debt Support for Loan DebtOnce your IVA is approved, creditors generally must stop or not start most enforcement (like bailiff visits or new court claims), provided you comply with the IVA terms. This protection helps you focus on affordable repayments.
An IVA will appear on your credit report for six years from the start date. During this period you may find it harder or more expensive to obtain credit. Many people find that completing an IVA gives a clearer path to rebuilding credit than ongoing defaults or informal arrangements that drag on.
Rebuild Credit After an IVAOften yes. Your IP will assess equity and affordability. In some cases, equity release or a modest extension to the IVA may be proposed instead of selling. Keeping mortgage payments up to date is essential.
IVA fees are set out clearly in your proposal, agreed with creditors and taken from your monthly contributions — not added on top.
We’ll explain all costs before you decide, and show how they fit within your affordable payment.
See How Fees Fit into the Process Check My IVA CostsIf an IVA isn’t suitable, we’ll recommend safer alternatives:
Karen, Bristol: “Fresh Start explained everything about IVAs and helped me apply. I’m on a manageable plan and the stress has eased.”
James, London: “I avoided bankruptcy thanks to IVA advice. The team was supportive and professional throughout.”
Maria, Newcastle: “My IVA was approved quickly — I can finally see a debt-free future.” See more on our testimonials page.
Read More TestimonialsFor added reassurance, review these trusted UK resources about IVAs and debt solutions:
Use these alongside our free support so you know your rights and protections.
Most IVAs last 5–6 years. In some cases an extra 12 months may be proposed if equity can’t be released.
Contact should reduce significantly after approval. If you receive calls or letters, let us know — we’ll help ensure protections are respected.
Yes, your IP can review the budget. Payments may be adjusted if your circumstances change.
Debt advice is regulated by the FCA. IVAs are administered by licensed Insolvency Practitioners and overseen by the Insolvency Service. For impartial advice you can also speak to StepChange or National Debtline.
We explain any fees before you decide. Where a third party provides a formal solution, their fees are disclosed in writing in your proposal.
Check If I Qualify NowAnswer these quick questions to see whether you may be in IVA territory:
Estimate how long repayments might take without help, versus using a formal solution like an IVA:
Use these independent sources to understand your rights and options:
These confirm your protections and how an IVA works in practice.
IVAs can stop interest, halt enforcement, protect your home and — in many cases — write off unaffordable unsecured debts after completion. We’ll guide you every step, free and without judgment.
Start My Free IVA Assessment