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DEBT RELIEF ORDER

DRO

You should first seek debt advice, and if a DRO is considered suitable, you will be referred to an approved intermediary*. They will check that your situation fulfills the criteria and will help you complete the online form, and submit it for you to a government official called the official receiver. The official receiver then makes the order, if appropriate.

*An approved intermediary is someone who has been approved by a competent authority chosen by the government.

To get a DRO:

To be eligible for a DRO, you must meet these criteria:

  • you owe £30,000 or less
  • you have less than £75 to spend each month, after paying tax, national insurance and normal household expenses
  • you’ve lived or worked in England or Wales in the last 3 years
  • your assets aren’t worth more than £2,000 in total
  • you’ve not had a DRO in the last 6 years

You won’t be eligible if you are involved in bankruptcy proceedings or any other formal insolvency procedure. However, if one of your creditors has asked a court to make you bankrupt, you may ask the creditor for permission to apply for a DRO instead.


  • Your debts will be written off at the end of the DRO. There are a few exceptions, as explained opposite.
  • None of the creditors listed in the DRO application can take further action against you without the court’s permission.
  • It allows you to make a fresh start after 1 year.
  • The fee (£90) is affordable and can be paid in instalments but the fee must be paid before the application can be made.
  • You will keep your assets and a vehicle as detailed above.
  • The approved intermediary ensures that you are given appropriate advice and that you fit the criteria for a DRO.


  • Your DRO is entered on a public register.
  • You cannot have a DRO if you have an existing bankruptcy order, an IVA, are subject to bankruptcy restrictions, or you have had a DRO in the last 6 years.
  • You will not be able to have a DRO if you own a house, even if it has no equity (value).
  • You will remain liable to pay certain debts – in particular student loans, fines and some debts arising from family proceedings.
  • Your employment may be affected.
  • Your DRO could be revoked (withdrawn) if you do not co-operate with the official receiver during the year your DRO is in force.
  • You cannot act as a director of a company or be involved in its management unless the court agrees.
  • You will be committing an offence if you get credit of £500 or more without disclosing that you are subject to a DRO.
  • You may have a debt relief restrictions order* made against you for 2 to 15 years if you acted irresponsibly, recklessly or dishonestly.