Can I get a credit card payment holiday?
New rules, including payment holidays, were introduced to help people whose finances were affected by coronavirus. However, applications for coronavirus-related payment holidays closed on 31 March 2021.
However, you can approach your creditors to ask for an informal break from payments, to give you some time to deal with your debts. Each creditor will consider your request differently, and may decline. A payment break may affect your credit score.
In Scotland, the Government's ‘moratorium’ period, for people who have debt problems, lasts six months. During this time creditors aren’t able to take action to recover the money owed. If you're considering a moratorium, you don't need to get debt advice from an approved money adviser, but we recommend you do so.
Can I get a mortgage payment holiday?
Mortgage payment holidays are in place for people who are struggling with their repayments. You can apply for one if you've kept up-to-date with your payments. You don't need to provide proof of how your finances have been affected by COVID-19.
There are other ways your lender may be able to help you, such as allowing you to reduce payments.
You can request payment breaks even if coronavirus hasn't affected you. Find out more about dealing with mortgage arrears.
Can I get a break from paying my rent?
The Scottish Government has extended protection for people renting. If your landlord wants to evict you for rent arrears, they'll need to give you six months' notice before they can start court proceedings.
In England and Wales, the courts have suspended all repossession proceedings. However, your rent is still payable during this time. You can ask for a payment break, but there's no guarantee the local authority or landlord will agree.
Read our guide to dealing with rent arrears.
How do I ask for a payment holiday?
If you’re considering asking for a payment break, you’ll need to give your bank, local authority or landlord some information to support your request.
They’ll probably want to know about your income, living expenses, any other debts and any change to your financial situation. You do this by creating an income and expenditure form based on your budget.
You'll need to tell your creditors the reason you're asking for a payment break and when you'll be able to start making normal payments again.
If your creditors agree to a payment break, ask them to send you a letter or email to confirm this.
Payments you should have made will need to be paid after the payment break ends, either by increasing the amount of your future payments, or by adding extra months to the end of the agreement so it takes longer to pay back.
Be prepared that creditors may not agree. If they don’t, contact us and we can look at alternative ways to help you deal with a short-term debt problem. Some creditors will point you towards a free debt advice agency like us anyway if you contact them to ask for a payment break.