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i This solution is only available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What is a DRO

What debts are excluded from a DRO?

A debt relief order (DRO) is a debt solution suitable for people living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who aren’t home owners, are on a low income, have few assets and debts less than £20,000.

When you enter into a DRO, your debts are written off after 12 months known as the ‘moratorium period’, if your financial situation hasn’t improved.

Some debts are excluded from a debt relief order. You must continue to pay any of the debts that aren’t included while you’re on a DRO.

Debts that are excluded from DRO include:

  • All student loans (old and new style)
  • Magistrates' court fines
  • Debts to the child maintenance service or CSA
  • Social fund loans
  • Criminal fines (including debt incurred under the Proceeds of Crime Act)
  • Claims against you for damage or personal injury
  • TV Licence arrears

Debts arising from fraud, for example fraudulent benefit claims, won’t be written off at the end of the DRO. However, these will count towards the maximum debt limit.

Most other debts can be included in a DRO.

Considering a DRO?

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Is a debt relief order right for you?

Our confidential, online debt advice service can recommend the best possible solution to your debt problem. 

If you do not qualify for a debt relief order, don’t worry, we can provide the debt help you need. It’s likely there’s a more suitable debt solution for your situation.

Helping you become debt free...

“I wish to thank your staff for all the great help they gave me when I was in so much debt.
They were a pillar of support to me.” (Leslie, Essex)

Foundation for Credit Counselling Wade House, Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8NG trading as StepChange Debt Charity and StepChange Debt Charity Scotland. A registered charity no.1016630 and SC046263. It is a limited company registered in England and Wales (company no:2757055). Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We link to external websites where they contain relevant information for our visitors. We're not responsible for the content of these websites, or any infringement on your data rights under data protection regulations by any external website provider.

*This is the average rating of our service based on the StepChange reviews on Feefo by DMP and DRO clients three months into their solution.

© StepChange Debt Charity 2019