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).
mum at the table with bills

Thinking about going ahead with an IVA?

We can help. Free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

i England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. We do not charge you for advice, but you make payments to your trustee or insolvency practitioner once your IVA is in progress.

Managing an IVA

Individual voluntary arrangements and holidays

You need to work within the budget of your individual voluntary arrangement (IVA). This includes for any holidays or trips to see friends and family.

It is possible to go away while you are on an individual voluntary arrangement.


  • There are no rules saying you cannot
  • But you must not spend more than your budget allows

IVAs are arranged by StepChange Voluntary Arrangements, part of StepChange Debt Charity. In Scotland, a protected trust deed is a similar solution. This has different benefits, risks and fees.

Is an IVA right for you?

mum at the table with bills

Thinking about an IVA?

We can help. Free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

Pick up some extra hours at work to pay for the holiday

Your IVA provider gives you an additional income threshold once your IVA is set up.


  • This is an amount of extra money you can make before you need to pay it into your IVA
  • The figure is 10% higher than the income listed for you on your budget
  • It accounts for anything you may earn in addition to your wage, like:
  • Overtime
  • Bonuses
  • Commission

You can save this money to use for whatever you want. Like a holiday.

You must let your IVA provider know if you earn more than your income threshold.

50% of this is due into your IVA.

Plan a holiday for the future

Set yourself a long-term holiday goal if you cannot work extra hours.


  • Put some money into savings each week
  • It does not have to be much
  • After 18 months (78 weeks) you may have enough for a city break

Do not borrow money to go on holiday.

Taking out more credit or a loan on an IVA can be a breach of your arrangement.

Clare Lindley and James O'Carroll of StepChange Voluntary Arrangements are licensed to act as insolvency practitioners in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association.

Get help now

Get free, impartial debt advice online to find the best options for you.

Already have an IVA? Always discuss your situation with your insolvency practitioner first.

There are no set up fees before your IVA is agreed. There are fees once your IVA is in progress.

Fees are detailed in your IVA proposal, which an IP will assist in drafting. Any fees have to be approved by creditors. Your IP will explain what fees you need to pay for your IVA.

StepChange Voluntary Arrangements is a registered trading name of Consumer Credit Counselling Service Voluntary Arrangements Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of StepChange Debt Charity.