Debt Relief Order (DRO)

What is a DRO?

A Debt Relief Order can provide a period of protection from payments and enforcement for qualifying debts. If your circumstances remain eligible through the usual 12-month period, included debts are normally written off at the end.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on debt limits, assets, disposable income, residence and other conditions. You normally cannot own your home. Rules differ between England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and a DRO is not available in Scotland.

How to apply

An approved intermediary checks your circumstances and submits the application. You cannot simply arrange a DRO by completing our questionnaire.

Important things to consider

• Your credit rating is affected. A DRO normally remains on your credit file for six years.
• Your details appear on a public insolvency register. Restrictions apply during the DRO.
• Some debts cannot be included, and ongoing household bills must still be paid.
• Changes to your income or assets must be reported and may affect the DRO.

Get advice on the current rules

Ask an approved adviser to check the current eligibility limits and explain the effects before applying. Other solutions may be more suitable.