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How to prioritise and reduce your debts, and where to get free debt advice

• Updated: 21 December 2017

Alternatives to bankruptcy and the different types of agreements you can make with your creditors.

• Overview

  If you owe people money (your ‘creditors’) you can make arrangements to…

• Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

  If you live in England or Wales, you can get temporary protection from…

• Debt Management Plans

  A Debt Management Plan is an agreement between you and your creditors to…

• Administration orders

  An administration order is a way to deal with debt if you have a county…

• Individual Voluntary Arrangements

  An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is an agreement with your…

• Debt Relief Orders

  Debt Relief Orders (DROs) are one way to deal with your debts if you: owe…

Get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems across the UK - telephone, fax, opening hours, website

To offer credit to consumers you must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and join the Financial Services Register

Find out what happens if your Universal Credit claim is reviewed.

• Updated: 26 January 2026

Guidance on debt relief orders for debt advisers. To search, press ‘control’ and ‘f’ on your keyboard at the same time. A search box will appear.

• Updated: 4 March 2025

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) helps homeowners on certain benefits pay interest on loans or mortgages - what you'll get, eligibility and how to claim.

Find out about financial support available to veterans and their families.

• Updated: 12 September 2024

Apply for financial support if you need an advance or hardship payment before your next Universal Credit payment.