Guide to debt relief orders (DRO)

You cannot get a DRO if you live in Scotland. In Scotland, a minimal asset process (MAP) is a similar solution, but it has different benefits, risks and fees.

DROs are suited to people with:

• A low amount of debt
• Few assets

In this section you can learn:

• About DROs
• How to apply
• What criteria you need to meet to be eligible for one

It is worth reading all of the pages in this section to understand the benefits and risks.

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:

• 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.

Find out if you can get a DRO

Common questions about DROs

Can you get a DRO if you work?

A DRO is designed to help people with a lower income.

Income is any money you get from:

• Wages
• Benefits
• Pensions
• And other sources

You can apply for a DRO if you have less than £75 left over after paying all your household bills and living costs.

You must meet all other criteria too.

Find out more about getting a DRO.

What happens after a debt relief order?

Any debt included in your DRO is written off after 12 months.

Details of your DRO are recorded:

• On the public insolvency register for three more months
• In your credit file for six years from the date the DRO is approved

What happens after a DRO?

How long does a DRO stay on your credit file?

 A DRO shows on your credit file for six years from the date it is approved.

How does a DRO affect me?

Can having a DRO stop bailiffs?

The people you owe can still contact you if you have a DRO. But they cannot:

• Demand payment, or
• Start court action against you

Bailiffs stop trying to recover a debt if:

• It is included in your DRO
• Your DRO is approved
• No goods have been taken into control

You may have to keep paying an existing controlled goods agreement.

Bailiff action can continue for:

• Criminal fines or
• Child maintenance

These types of debt cannot be included in a DRO.

Find out more about creditor contact on a DRO.

What is a DRO?

In this section you can find out:

• About DROs
• How to apply
• What criteria you need to meet

It is worth reading all of the pages in this section, to understand:

• The benefits and risks
• What debts will be included in a DRO
• The restrictions you will face