Submit your application online
Go to www.gov.uk/bankruptcy and follow the instructions to fill out your application. You will need to create an account. You can log in as many times as you need to.
You have to put down your income, spending and debts. This will include:
- Wage slips
- Benefits or pension statements
- Bills. Like electricity, credit card and council tax
- Letters from a bailiff or enforcement agent
Pay your bankruptcy costs
There is a fee of £680. This is made up of a £130 application fee and a £550 bankruptcy deposit.
You can only submit your application once the fee is paid in full.
- Pay online: If you pay online you can choose to pay by instalments. This means you do not have to pay it in one go. The lowest payment is £5.
- Pay by cash: You can pay at any branch of Royal Bank of Scotland. If you pay in cash, you cannot pay by instalments. You will have to pay it all in one go.
Help paying your costs
If you are finding it hard to pay the costs, you could:
- Stop paying your creditors and use this money to pay the costs
- Ask friends or family if they can help
- Apply for a grant. Turn2us is a national charity that can help you find grants or trust funds. Find out more on the Turn2us website
Tell the people you owe money to that you are getting our help
Contact your creditors, give them your StepChange client reference number and tell them you are getting help from us.
They will usually stop their debt collection process while you think about your options.
It is quickest to give them a call. But if you prefer, you can email them or send a letter. There is a template letter in the 'Your next steps' section of your personal action plan to help you do this.
Wait to hear about your application
An ‘adjudicator’ will review your application. This is someone who looks over everything and decides whether to make you bankrupt.
They will get in touch with you within 28 days to let you know. They will tell you what happens next and what to do if your application has not been accepted.
If you application is not accepted, get in touch with us again for further help.