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Getting a DRO

Debt relief order application process

You cannot apply for a debt relief order (DRO) on your own. Your application must go through an intermediary approved by the Insolvency Service.

A DRO is a form of insolvency designed as a low cost alternative to bankruptcy.

It is for people:


  • On a low income
  • With a relatively low level of debt
  • Who cannot pay off their debts in a reasonable amount of time

You must match certain criteria for your DRO application to be accepted.

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Considering a DRO?

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Why would my DRO application be declined?

Your DRO application is declined if:


  • The total value of your qualifying debts is more than £50,000
  • You have assets worth more than £2,000. You can own a car worth up to £4,000 in addition to this
  • You have more than £75 each month in surplus income
  • You are currently under another insolvency solution, like bankruptcy or an IVA
  • You own a car worth more than £4,000
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have not lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland at some point in the last three years

Do I need to go to court to apply for a DRO?

A DRO is not made by a judge so you do not need to apply through the court.

How do I apply for a DRO?


  • Make sure a DRO is the right solution for you
    • Debt advice helps you work that out
  • We send you a step-by-step guide to applying for a DRO
  • You work with an 'authorised intermediary'
    • This is someone who helps you submit your application to the Insolvency Service
    • We will recommend organisations you can work with
  • You need to send them documents about your finances

"They were so kind, they listened patiently and helped me through the process" Alison, Kent

Online DRO application


  1. Your DRO intermediary checks if you are eligible to apply and register your application
  2. You make sure the application is correct. There is no fee to pay
  3. Your application is submitted to the Insolvency Service

How much is the DRO application fee?

There is no fee to apply for a DRO.

Make a claim for a DRO fee refund


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:


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.

What happens after I submit the application?

Once your DRO is approved:


  • Your debts are put on hold for 12 months
    • This is the ‘moratorium’ period
  • You stop making any payments to your debts
  • The people you owe must stop asking you to pay

The people you owe can still add interest and charges. It has no effect on you unless your DRO is cancelled.

The debts in your DRO are written off if your situation is not better after 12 months.

Find out more about what happens on a debt relief order.

Find out of a DRO is right for you

Use our free debt advice tool. We will recommend the best solution for your situation.

You will then find out if debt help is what you need before taking the next steps.