Too Much Debt?

Stop creditor contact and check if you can write off unaffordable debt with an IVA, DRO or DMP.

✅ Get Started Free
Free & confidential • Takes 60–90 seconds

Reviewed by: Fresh Start Debt Support team • Last updated

Too Much Debt? Free UK Help to Stop Interest, Write Off Balances & End Bailiff Pressure

Quick answer: If you’re borrowing to cover other repayments, only making minimums, behind on utilities or council tax, or avoiding calls from debt collectors or bailiffs, you likely have too much debt. We’ll check if you can write off unaffordable balances, freeze interest, and reduce payments — free and confidential.

Start My Free Debt Check

What Counts as “Too Much Debt” in the UK?

Debt becomes “too much” when repayments no longer fit your budget, interest keeps growing, or money worries affect your health and relationships. Look for these signals:

If any apply, act early — the sooner you start, the more options you’ll have to freeze interest and stop enforcement.

Check If I Can Get Help

Am I in Too Much Debt? A Simple Self-Assessment

Tick any that sound like you:

One or more ticks suggests your debt is already unmanageable — but there are legal routes to get relief.

Self-Check My Options

What Happens If You Ignore Too Much Debt?

Delaying action usually leads to higher balances and formal action:

Most of this can be prevented or reversed once you enter the right solution.

Freeze Interest & Stop Action

Debts You Can Include — and Often Write Off

Depending on eligibility, these debts can be included in an IVA or DRO, and usually managed within a DMP too:

Not usually written off: child maintenance, some court fines and most student loans — but we’ll explain how to manage them safely alongside your plan.

See What I Can Include

Best Solutions When You Have Too Much Debt

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick comparison of the main UK options:

IVA

Best for
£6,000+ unsecured debt, steady income
Stops enforcement
Yes — legal protection
Write off
Yes, after completion
Typical term
5–6 years
Read the IVA guide →

DRO

Best for
Low income, low assets, debt under ~£30,000
Stops enforcement
Yes — moratorium
Write off
Yes, after 12 months
Typical term
12 months
Read the DRO guide →

DMP

Best for
Flexible, informal repayments
Stops enforcement
Often — by agreement
Write off
No formal write-off
Typical term
Varies
Read the DMP guide →

Trust Deed (Scotland)

Best for
Scottish residents with multiple debts
Stops enforcement
Yes — legal protection
Write off
Yes, after completion
Typical term
~4 years
Read the Trust Deed guide →

We’ll match you to the route that fits your budget and goals — and explain every trade-off in plain English.

Compare My Options

How to Take Control of Too Much Debt (Step-by-Step)

  1. List your priority bills. Keep rent/mortgage, council tax and energy up to date first.
  2. Gather all creditor letters. Note balances, interest rates and any enforcement dates.
  3. Build a realistic budget. Include food, transport, childcare and essentials — not just debts.
  4. Check your eligibility. You may qualify for an IVA or DRO; a DMP may suit if your income varies.
  5. Choose and start. Once approved, interest/enforcement is typically stopped so you can breathe.

If you’re unsure which path fits, we’ll talk it through with you — free and without pressure.

Start the Step-by-Step Now

Breathing Space — A Pause If You Have Too Much Debt

If your debts feel overwhelming and you need time to get advice, you may qualify for the government’s Breathing Space scheme. It gives you:

This is often the first safe step when you have too much debt and need urgent relief while you decide your long-term plan.

See If I Qualify for Breathing Space

Bailiffs & Debt Collectors: Your Rights When You Have Too Much Debt

Letters and visits are frightening — but you have rights. Here’s what to know:

Read our full guides and use them at the door:

Stop Bailiff Pressure

The Hidden Emotional Impact of Carrying Too Much Debt

Debt isn’t just numbers — it’s how you feel each day. Many people report:

Getting help is not just about lower payments — it’s about getting your life back. Most clients tell us their only regret is not acting sooner.

Take the First Step

Real People Who Faced Too Much Debt — and Got Help

Emily, Manchester: £18,000 across cards and loans. Approved for an IVA — now pays £95/month, interest frozen, no more calls.

Martin, Liverpool: Multiple payday loans and arrears. Qualified for a DRO — debts written off after 12 months when circumstances didn’t change.

Claire, Stoke-on-Trent: “I can finally open my post without fear. I wish I’d asked for help sooner.” See more on our testimonials page.

Get Help Like They Did

Official Government Guidance on Too Much Debt

For added reassurance, here are trusted UK government resources about dealing with problem debt:

We recommend reviewing these in addition to our free debt support, so you know all your rights and protections.

Too Much Debt — Frequently Asked Questions

How much debt is considered too much in the UK?

There’s no single number. It’s “too much” when repayments are unaffordable for your budget, interest keeps growing, or you’re missing priority bills. Our free check shows what’s workable.

Can I stop interest and charges today?

With formal solutions like an IVA or DRO, interest and enforcement are typically halted once approved. Many creditors will also freeze interest in a DMP.

Will I lose my home or car?

Most solutions protect essential assets, though high equity or high-value vehicles can affect eligibility. We’ll explain your options and safeguards upfront.

What if I have priority debts like rent or council tax?

Prioritise them and speak to us urgently. We’ll help you stop enforcement and build a plan that covers both priority and non-priority debts safely.

Can I still get a mortgage in future?

Yes. Your credit can be rebuilt after completion. Lenders look at stability, deposit and recent credit behaviour — we’ll share a step-by-step rebuild plan.

Is help really free?

Yes, our guidance is free and confidential. We’ll also explain any third-party fees (for example, if you proceed with a formal solution) before you decide.

How fast can I get relief?

Assessment is fast. Stopping calls and interest depends on the route you choose; we’ll aim for the quickest safe protection.

Check If I Qualify Now

Related Guides & Next Steps

Get My Free Debt Check

Your Fresh Start Begins Today

Having too much debt doesn’t define you. With the right plan you can stop interest, halt enforcement, protect your home and — in many cases — write off unaffordable balances. We’ll guide you every step of the way, free and without judgment.

Start My Free Debt Check

Debt in the UK — Evidence & Trusted Resources

Getting the right help is easier when you have the facts. Here are some trusted sources and statistics about problem debt in the UK:

These independent sources confirm: you’re not alone, and effective solutions exist.

Which Debt Solution Fits You Best?

Answer these quick questions to see which options may suit your circumstances:







Debt Repayment vs Write-Off Calculator

Estimate how long repayments might take without help, versus using a formal solution:







💬 Chat on WhatsApp