Providing debt information for a DRO
When you’re looking into applying for a DRO, you’ll need to provide a complete list of all your debts. Your DRO adviser will help you with this.
Debts covered by a DRO
Debts that can be included in a DRO are called ’qualifying debts'. While your DRO is in place, creditors can’t ask you to make payments towards these debts - if they do, you don't have to pay. Qualifying debts include:
- credit cards
- overdrafts
- loans
- buy now, pay later
- rent arrears
- electricity, gas and water arrears
- telephone bill arrears
- income tax arrears
- council tax arrears
- benefits overpayments
- hire purchase shortfall
- conditional sale agreements
- money you owe to family and friends
- bills for services e.g. solicitors
- personally liable business debts
Please be aware we will probably ask for proof of these during the application process.
If you've fallen behind with your rent payments (you’re in arrears), your landlord can still take action to evict you, even if the rent arrears are included in your DRO. You will need to make an arrangement to pay rent arrears to your landlord, if your landlord requires this after your DRO is approved. Your approved intermediary can advise you, based on your personal circumstances.
Debts not covered by a DRO
Not all debts are covered by a DRO. You'll still need to pay:
- child support and maintenance
- magistrates court fines and confiscation orders relating to criminal activity
- student loans
- social fund loans
- compensation you’ve been ordered to pay for causing death or injury
These debts don't count towards the £50,000 overall debt limit for a DRO.
Your DRO adviser will be able to tell you which of your debts can be included. If any of your debts can’t be included in your DRO, you’ll need to continue making payments after your DRO is approved.
If you forget to include any debts in your DRO, you won’t be able to add them later. If those missed debts take you over the £50,000 limit, your DRO might be cancelled. This is why it’s important that you tell your DRO adviser about all of your debts.
See our guide on what happens if you miss out a debt from your DRO application.
Information to include
When collecting details of your debts, try to get hold of:
- reference numbers
- details of any county court judgments (CCJs)
- details of the original creditor if any of your debts have been passed to debt collectors
Reference numbers
The DRO application process will run more smoothly if all the information provided is accurate. This includes making sure the reference numbers for your debts are correct.
Accurate reference numbers should also make life easier after your DRO is approved. Your creditors will be informed once approval is confirmed. They will then update your record and all contact about paying your debt should stop. Accurate reference numbers will help make sure this happens as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How to find reference numbers
There are a number of ways you might be able to find reference numbers for your debts. Try:
- logging in to any online accounts
- going through emails, letters or text messages from your creditor
- checking your credit file
- contacting your creditor and asking for this information – if you explain you are applying for a DRO, some may even place your account on hold until they hear from the Insolvency Service
CCJ details
For any CCJs, you’ll be asked to confirm which debts they relate to.
If you’re not sure, start by checking your credit report – you can get a copy of your report from agencies like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.
Details about any outstanding CCJs and who has requested them should be included.
You can ask the court that issued the CCJ who requested it. You’ll need your case number. This can be found on your CCJ claim form. Without the original creditor information, the debt may not be written off and you may have to keep paying after your DRO is approved.
Debts that have been passed to debt collectors
Providing details of the original creditor for debts that have been passed to debt collectors can prevent delays in your DRO application being processed.
You might have letters or emails with this information. If you don’t, get in touch with the debt collector. They should be able to help.