Debt Relief Orders (DROs): who can get one
A DRO can write off debts of up to £50,000 if you have little spare income and few assets. The limits, explained.
What a DRO does
A Debt Relief Order freezes most of your debts for 12 months. If your situation hasn't improved by the end, those debts are written off. It's for people in England and Wales with low income and few assets.
The limits
Your debts must be £50,000 or less. Your spare income, after essential costs, must be £75 a month or less. Your assets must be worth £2,000 or less, and a vehicle £4,000 or less. Figures checked 21 September 2026.
How to apply
You apply through an approved intermediary, which is a type of debt adviser. Free advice services can check whether you qualify and make the application.
Things to know
A DRO goes on your credit file for six years and there are restrictions while it's in place, such as borrowing more than £500 without saying you have a DRO. Some debts, like student loans and court fines, can't be included.
Go step by step with Debt Confident
The app turns this into a plan: what to do first, what to say, and what to write. Free to download.
More guides
- Priority debts: which bills to pay first
- Breathing Space: 60 days' protection from creditors
- Bailiffs (enforcement agents): your rights
- Debt letters: what they mean and what to do
- Bankruptcy: the basics
- How to make a budget that actually works
- Free debt advice: where to get it
General information for England and Wales, not regulated debt advice. Figures checked 21 September 2026. For advice about your situation, contact a free debt adviser.