debt relief order DRO
What is a Debt Relief Order?
A debt relief order (DRO) is a formal debt relief option to help repay your debts if you have few assets and a low debt level. DROs were designed specifically for those with less than £20,000 worth of debt, less than £1,000 in assets (including your car), and less than £50 spare income after paying for your essentials.
If successful, all payments will be frozen for 12 months in order for you to improve your financial situation; if not, your debts will be written after this time.
Please Note: Debt Assist UK only provide debt advice; we do not directly provide any financial solutions ourselves. We will talk you through your available options and if appropriate, we can offer you a no-obligation referral to a regulated debt solution provider, from whom we may receive a referral fee. Some debt solutions involve fees to you – these fees may differ based on the circumstances of your individual situation, but will always be explained to you by your chosen solution provider in writing before you decide to take up their service(s).
Pro's of a debt relief order
You are usually discharged from your debts after 12 months.
Can be a ‘low-cost bankruptcy’.
Creditors must stop chasing you for payment.
cons of a debt relief order
Restricts your future borrowing.
Not applicable for home owners.
Can no longer be the director of a company.
May have to tell your bank or building society when opening a new account.
Debt Relief ORder FAQs
What if my DRO application is refused?
If for any reason your application for a debt relief order is refused, you will be given a written reason properly explaining why. However, a few of the main reasons are:
- You don’t meet the criteria.
- It is believed you haven’t provided all of the information needed.
- You didn’t reply with necessary information when asked.
Can a debt relief order be stopped?
There are several situations in which a debt relief order can be stopped while currently in place, these include:
- An increase in you income. Leaving you with more than £50 per month after expenses.
- You left out information about debt, assets or income.
- You ignore any restrictions put in place.
- You lied in order to get the DRO.
Alternatives to a debt relief order
Individual Voluntary Arrangement - IVA
An individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) is a legal procedure for people in financial difficulties with unsecured debts. It is a legal agreement between you and your creditors to only pay what you can actually afford to pay off your debts.
Debt Management Plan - DMP
Usually suitable for people with unsecured debts totalling under £15,000, a debt management plan (DMP) is an informal way to repay your creditors by making a single, affordable payment every month. As DMPs are flexible, the amount you pay can change