Debt Relief Order
- 26 Jul 2024
A debt relief order gives the same outcome as bankruptcy but it is much cheaper to implement. However the qualification criteria are far stricter.
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What is a Debt Relief Order?
A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is an individual debt solution designed to help people who have few assets and will struggle to repay what they owe. I gives virtually the same outcome as going bankrupt.
Once it is in place virtually all your unsecured debt is taken away. You no longer have to make any payments to your creditors. It lasts 12 months after which you are discharged and all your debt is written off.
One of the key advantages is there is no application fee. It is a free debt solution. The cost of bankruptcy is far higher.
Debt Relief Orders were introduced into the law in 2009 as a cheaper alternative to going Bankrupt. In April 2024 the application fee was reduced to £0.
Who can Apply for a DRO?
Not everyone can apply for a Debt Relief Order. There are 4 main qualification criteria which must be met before you can apply.
Total debt must be below £50,000
Your total unsecured debt must be no more than £50,000. This amount was increased from £30,000 at the end of June 2024. You must include all your debts including any CCJs, benefits over payments and rent arrears.
You cannot be a Homeowner
If you are a homeowner you cannot apply for a DRO. This is the case even if your property is in negative equity. The solution is only available no people who do not own property.
Your car, if you own one, must not be worth more than £4000
Your car should not be worth more than £4000 in total. The amount increased from £2000 at the end of June 2024. After one year, your DRO will end and your debt written off. You can then buy a more expensive car if you wish.
Other assets not worth more than £2000
You are not allowed to have savings or any other items which are worth more than £2000.
Disposable Income must be £75/month or less
You do not necessarily have to be on a low income to qualify for a DRO. However your disposable income most be less than £75 (increased from £50 at the end of June 2021). This is the amount left over from your monthly income after all reasonable household expenses have been deducted.
In addition to your car, your personal possessions must not be worth more than £2,000.
How to get a Debt Relief Order
The Debt Relief Order application process is different to Bankruptcy. You cannot submit the application yourself. You need the help of an Approved Intermediary.
The Intermediary will first need to establish that you meet the qualification criteria. They will need a proof of all your debts (get a copy of your credit file if you are not sure who you owe money to). In addition they will need proof of your income such as wage slips and benefits statements.
They will then assist you to complete your application and submit it to the Official Receiver (OR). If you meet the criteria it is unlikely your DRO application will be refused.
One of the best places to go to get a DRO is your local Citizens Advice. However you can also approach organisations like StepChange and PayPlan.
What if your Circumstances Change during a DRO?
Once it is approved a Debt Relief Order remains in place for 12 months. This is sometimes referred to as the moratorium period. During this time if your financial circumstances improve significantly you need to tell the Official Receiver.
Your income may go up or your living expenses may fall and as a result your disposable income increases to more than £75/mth. Alternatively, you could get a windfall of more than £2000.
In these circumstances the OR may have to cancel your DRO. You will then still have to repay all the money you originally owed.
Your DRO is likely to be unaffected by minor increases in income such as an annual pay increase.
Can I take out a new car insurance policy paying monthly with a dro in place?
Hi Natalie
It may be difficult for you to take out a new pay monthly car insurance with a different insurer while you are in a DRO (and for some time afterwards). The issue is that your credit rating is poor. As such you are likely to fail any credit check that a new insurer carries out against you.
As far as I am aware, you should be OK simply renewing with your current insurer as this should not trigger a credit check.