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Considering a DRO?

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

Get debt help

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

Getting a DRO

DRO. How do I apply for a debt relief order?

You can get a debt relief order (DRO) through one of the organisations approved by the Insolvency Service, of which we are one.

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’.


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Is a DRO right for you?

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

Get debt help

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 DRO application. You can only pay the fee in a lump sum, rather than instalments

Why should I apply for a DRO 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.