Does an IVA cover all of my debts?

Priority debts and priority debt arrears cannot be included in your IVA. Payments to these debts are factored into your monthly household expenditure allowance. Priority debts include:

• Mortgages and secured loans
• Rent & property service charges
• Current utility bills
• Current service providers
• Hire purchase payments
• Student Loans
• Benefits overpayments
• Child Maintenance
• Council Tax
• Court fines

Debts that can be included in your IVA are as follows:

• Unsecured debts (overdrafts, credit cards, store cards, charge cards, catalogues, pay day loans, unsecured loans, doorstep loans, credit unions)
• Unsecured debts that have a CCJ or attachment of earnings in place
• Arrears from utility supplies from previous properties, previous suppliers e.g. gas, electricity, water
• Arrears from service providers from previous properties, previous suppliers e.g. digital TV, mobile phones, landlines
• Debts that were previously secured against an asset that has been repossessed – shortfalls on vehicle HP and Properties
• Debts to family and friends.
• HM Revenue and Customs VAT, PAYE, Self assessed tax, National Insurance

You can read more about IVAs and whether they are suitable for your situation in our IVA section.

Debt Advice Foundation is a registered UK charity offering free, confidential support and advice on any aspect of debt, including IVAs. Our helpline advisors are available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm on 0800 043 40 50.