How do I get a debt relief order?

A debt relief order is a type of insolvency suitable for people on a low income, who are unable to pay back their debts. You can’t be a homeowner and you must have few assets to qualify. You must also have unsecured debts of less than £20,000 and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

There are a number of organisations who can submit a debt relief order application for you. These organisations are called ‘competent authorities’.

How much does a debt relief order cost?

A DRO costs £90. You pay the fee directly to the Insolvency Service. You can pay in cash at any Payzone outlet.

• In England and Wales, the official receiver will only consider your DRO application when the £90 is paid in full. There’s the option to pay in full or in instalments
• In Northern Ireland, the £90 fee has to be paid after you’ve handed in your application. You can only pay the fee in a lump sum, rather than instalments

What are the benefits of the DRO application process with StepChange Debt Charity?

If a debt relief order is the right solution for you, our dedicated debt relief order team will help you through every stage of the DRO application process.

The £90 fee is non-refundable and you can only apply once every six years. So it’s crucial that you qualify and that the information on your DRO application is correct.

Our specialist debt advice team will check your application before submitting it. This will make it much more likely that the Insolvency Service will accept it and grant the debt relief order.

Is a DRO right for me?

To find out if a DRO is right for you, use our online debt advice tool.