Debt Relief Order (DRO)

✅ No up front fee

✅ Write off 100% of your debt

✅ No monthly payments

✅ Stops bailiffs & legal action

*There is a strict criteria on who does and doesn't quaify for a DRO

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a debt solution that allows people with debts up to £50,000 and little income or valued assets, to be relieved from their repayments for 12 months. After this time, if they are still unable to repay, their debts are officially written off.



A Debt Relief Order is designed for those living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland who are unable to repay outstanding debts. It offers an opportunity to take a break from repayments, in the hope that their financial situation improves.

What is a DRO?

DRO Advantages

  • Potential to write off debts
  • 12 months respite from your debt repayments
  • Creditors cannot contact you during the 12 months
  • You don’t need to appear in court

DRO Disadvantages

  • Not available if you own property
  • Your credit rating will be affected
  • Only available if you owe less than £50,000

DMP FAQs

  • Am I eligible for a Debt Relief Order?

    As a Debt Relief Order is a scheme designed to help people who cannot realistically get out of debt themselves, you will need to meet some qualifying criteria, these include:


    • Debts up to £50,000
    • Not owning property
    • Not owning a vehicle worth more than £4,000
    • No assets worth more than £2,000
    • Less than £75 a month in disposable income
    • A resident of England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
    • Unable to repay your debts
    • No DRO in the last 6 years
    • Not currently in any formal insolvency solution (e.g. IVA or Bankruptcy)

  • Living with a Debt Relief Order

    A Debt Relief Order is recorded on a public register. Once you have entered into one of these orders, you will have some welcome breathing space from your creditors and your debts. You’ll have a 12-month period to try to get ahead of your debts and improve your finances. And if your situation doesn’t improve, at the end of the 12 months, you’ll be free from debts you can’t afford to pay back.


    It’s important to be aware that a DRO will have implications in terms of your credit score and your ability to take out future credit agreements.

  • Can I get a mortgage on a Debt Relief Order?

    Getting a mortgage while you’re on a DRO would be a breach of the terms. You would be expected to resume repayments of your existing debts. As with any debt repayment solution, it’s typically advised to wait until your solution has come to an end before you try to access further credit.


  • Will a Debt Relief Order stop bailiffs?

    When you enter a DRO, your creditors must cease any attempts to make contact with you and to chase payments. This includes visits from bailiffs, as well as legal action and any other form of direct contact with you. 


    If your financial situation has improved after the 12 months of your DRO, your creditors will be permitted to chase repayments again – applying any charges or interest they previously would have added.

  • Should I apply for a Debt Relief Order?

    Whether or not you should apply for a DRO will depend on your specific financial circumstances. As outlined above, this debt solution has strict eligibility criteria, so is not available to everyone. 


    A DRO might appeal to you because of the prospect of being able to write off debts. However, as with any debt management solution, you should always do your research and due diligence. It’s best to contact an FCA regulated debt advice company, like MoneyPlus Advice, before you make a decision. We offer specialist debt advice and will discuss your options with you.