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Debt - DRO

5 replies

keekee123 · 26/04/2026 09:39

Anyone managed to get a Debt Relief Order that had not been paying bills? Thanks

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 26/04/2026 10:54

I'm not sure what you mean by getting 'a Debt Relief Order that had not been paying bills' but if this is something you are looking at, you need professional advice from a debt charity, who will look at your full circumstances to help decide whether this is the best course of action for you.

You'll probably also find more appropriate help from Moneysaving expert:

IVA & DRO — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Lots of experience there. Good luck.

IVA & DRO

Categories - Discussions here cover two debt management solutions - Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) or Debt Relief Orders (DRO).

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/iva-dro

keekee123 · 26/04/2026 11:06

Thank you

OP posts:
keekee123 · 27/04/2026 21:03

Bump

OP posts:
ToffeeCrabApple · 27/04/2026 23:08

BIL had one. It absolutely ruined his credit rating for a long time.

Bjorkdidit · 28/04/2026 03:30

But when you're in a hole, it's often best to stop digging. Many people get into problem debt and try to borrow their way out of it. This rarely works and usually prolongs and worsens the problem, plus adds to the stress because creditors start chasing or even appointing bailiffs.

Entering a formal agreement, that is appropriate for the individual's circumstances is the start of dealing with the debt once and for all, with a fixed end point - it generally stays on your credit rating for 6 years from the start of the arrangement, after that it is wiped and usually does not need to be declared again and you can start to build a good credit rating again.

Another part of the process is setting up a sustainable budget that includes all annual and irregular expenses, plus an appropriate amount for food/travel and even a modest leisure budget. This can help a person learn to live without credit and recognise that they need to put money aside for expenses that will happen in a few weeks or months time, so they have the money when needed.

Setting a comprehensive will usually demonstrate that a person has little or no spare money so qualifies for the DRO - people make the mistake of thinking they have money left over after direct debits so try to pay their debts from this money, often also skimping on food or other essentials. But for unsecured debt, if you get to this position, it's a sign you need a formal solution because you shouldn't be missing out on essentials to pay off debts, they are the lowest priority after essential living costs - this is the risk that the creditor takes by not doing a full assessment of a person's ability to repay.

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