How to apply for Breathing Space

Breathing Space isn't available to everyone. There are certain criteria you need to meet to benefit from the Breathing Space scheme.

To be eligible you must:

• Live in England or Wales
• Owe at least one qualifying debt to a creditor

And you must not:

• Have been on the Breathing Space scheme in the past 12 months (not including mental health Breathing Space)
• Be on a debt relief order (DRO)
• Have an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)
• Be subject to an interim order
• Be an undischarged bankrupt

Should you want to apply for Breathing Space, it’s important to know:

• If you have joint debts, you must tell your partner, and have their consent
• Some creditors may restrict access to further credit while you’re on Breathing Space
• You must make sure you tell us about all your debts

Which debts qualify for Breathing Space?

Many debts will qualify for Breathing Space, but there are some exceptions. Take a look at the list below to find out which debts are not eligible.

Which debts don't qualify for Breathing Space?

The following debts are not eligible for Breathing Space:

• Secured debts (but the arrears on secured debts do qualify)
• Debts incurred after your Breathing Space started
• Debts incurred because of fraud
• Court fines (penalty charge notices like parking tickets do qualify)
• Obligations from a confiscation order
• Child maintenance or money owed under an order from family court proceedings
• A crisis or budgeting loan
• Student loans
• Personal injury damages
• Advance payments on Universal Credit
• Council tax liabilities that are not due yet