Debt relief order (DRO)

A debt relief order is a way of writing off your debts if your finances do not get better after 12 months.  

During this time, you will not pay back what you owe. Interest and charges will stop being added to your debts. You do not have to deal with the people you owe money to.

Make a claim for a DRO fee refund

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Before April 2024, you had to pay a £90 fee when applying for a DRO. This fee was removed in April 2024, meaning it is now free to apply for a DRO.

Refunds are available to people who:

• Paid the application fee for a DRO between 2016 and April 2024, and
• Did not submit their application

You are still eligible if only part of the fee has been paid or if payments were made by more than one person.

The Insolvency Service has asked anyone who believes they are due a refund to contact their DRO team via email (preferred) or post:

• Email: dro.preorder@insolvency.gov.uk
• Post: The Insolvency Service DRO Team, C/O Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB

When making contact, try to give as many of the below details as you can:

• Debt Relief Order application number (if known)
• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Bank/building society name and details
• Details of a third party, charity or organisation which paid on your behalf
• Previous name, address or email (if changed since application attempt)

Anyone with further questions can contact the Insolvency Service customer service helpline on 0300 678 0016. They are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 3pm.

Is a DRO right for me?

DROs are not right for everybody. There are rules about who can apply for one, based on how much you owe and how much money you have coming in. We can help you find out if you can get a DRO through online debt advice.

If a DRO is right for you, an ‘approved intermediary’ will let you know what you need to do. An approved intermediary is an organisation that deals with DRO applications.

Debt free after 12 months

If your finances don’t get better after 12 months of being on a DRO, your debts will be written off.

No fees to pay

It is free to apply for a DRO and we do not charge any fees for our advice.

You are protected from creditors

While you are on a DRO, creditors must stop all collections activity. They are not allowed to add interest and charges and cannot take further action against you.

An approved intermediary manages your application

Take the stress out of dealing with your debt. StepChange will help you find out if a DRO is right for you. As part of our advice we will explain how DROs work and share information about the approved intermediaries who will be able to deal with the application process for you. You will not have to go to court.

A cheaper alternative to bankruptcy

DROs are for people who are on a low income and have few assets (items of value). If you meet the criteria, it can be a cheaper alternative to bankruptcy.

Benefits of an approved DRO

• Creditors will stop collections activity. They cannot take further action, like court action
• Most debts will be written off after 12 months. Unless your financial situation improves during this time
• Interest and charges will stop. These can be put back on your debts if your DRO fails
• Your approved intermediary will send your application for you. This means you do not have to go to court
• You may be able to keep your household goods. Whether you get to keep them depends on the value of those items
• There is no fee to apply for a DRO. You will not have to pay anything if you get free advice from an organisation like StepChange

How can I find out if a DRO is right for me?

1. To find out if a DRO is right for you, you will need to start by using our online debt advice tool
2. We need to learn more about you to give you advice. Through our online tool, we will ask you for details about yourself and your situation. This includes basic information about you, as well as information about your income, spending and debts. This can be a long process, but you can pause and come back at any time
3. From the information you gave us, we will give you options on the best ways to deal with your debt. Make sure you read this through before making your choice. You may even be able to apply for Breathing Space. This will give you a break from having to worry about your debts while you complete your advice
4. If a DRO is right for you, you will need to find an ‘approved intermediary’ to manage your application. We can help you find an approved intermediary
5. Your approved intermediary will work with you to create your application and will let you know what the next steps are

What people ask us about DROs

Our DRO guides

Our DRO guides have practical advice about the whole process.

Find out how assets affect a DRO, and what debts can and cannot be included.

Learn more about what happens on a DRO and after your DRO ends. We can explain the what the DRO moratorium period is, and what your creditors can and cannot do.

Find out if you qualify for a DRO, and how you can apply.