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Debt Relief Order

Debt Relief Orders, which came in to force on 6th April 2009, have many of the same advantages as bankruptcy. It usually lasts for a year (during which time your creditors can't take action against you) and at the end of that period, you'll be free of all the debts listed in the order.


The main differences are that you must owe less than £15,000 and have a low disposable income (less than £50 per month after paying all your essential household expenditure). Your non-vehicle assets (including savings) can't exceed £300 and your car value can't be in excess of £1,000.


There are restrictions on the type of debts that can be included in the order. Court fines, child maintenance and student loans will not be allowed.


Debt Relief Orders are administered by the Official Receiver through the Insolvency Service. To apply for a DRO, you'll need to contact an authorised adviser who checks whether you meet the conditions and then applies for the order on your behalf. The order will cost you £90, which can be paid in installments over six months and you won't have to attend court.


If you require debt advice, there's no need to wait or book an appointment, our Advisors are available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm on 0800 043 40 50.



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Advantages of Debt Relief Orders 

  • After twelve months, all of the debts listed on the order will be written off. 

  • You don't have to go to court. 

  • You're protected from enforcement action by your creditors. 

Disadvantages of Debt Relief Orders 

  • There are tight income, asset and debt restrictions on who can apply for a DRO. 

  • If your circumstances change, you may still be required to repay your creditors. 

  • Your debt relief order will appear on your credit file for six years. This may affect your ability to get credit in the future. 

  • You can't promote, manage, or set up a limited company, without permission from court. Also, you can't act as a company director, without getting permission from court.