We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
i England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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.

dad and daughter cooking

Considering a DRO?

We can help with free, impartial debt advice online now.

Get debt help

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.

Check if you can claim a DRO fee refund

Did you pay a DRO fee before April 2024 but did not finish your application? You may be due a refund by the Insolvency Service.

The Government removed the £90 application fee for DROs in April 2024. The Insolvency Service are trying to refund people who paid their fee before that date but did not go ahead with a DRO.

Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on how to claim if you think you are owed a refund.

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.