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Breathing Space: Pausing Debt Collection
Breathing Space gives temporary protection from creditors in England and Wales while you get debt advice and make a plan. It lasts up to 60 days, or for the length of mental health crisis treatment plus 30 days. During it, creditors cannot take enforcement action, contact you about the debts included, or add interest or charges. It does not wipe out your debts. You apply through a debt adviser.
At a Glance
Guide Disclaimer
Free guide only. This is a regulated financial matter, so we give free information and letter templates here but do not take these on as cases. We cannot tell you whether you are eligible for a refund or compensation.
CPUK is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is not a claims management company.
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Breathing Space
What It Is
Breathing Space gives temporary protection from creditors in England and Wales while you get debt advice and make a plan. It lasts up to 60 days, or for the length of mental health crisis treatment plus 30 days. source
What It Stops
During Breathing Space, creditors cannot take enforcement action, contact you about the debts included, or add interest or charges. It does not wipe out your debts. source
How to Apply
You apply for Breathing Space through a debt adviser, who submits the application if appropriate. You can find a free adviser through MoneyHelper. If you are receiving mental health crisis treatment and cannot speak to an adviser, someone else can do so for you. source
Who Is Not Eligible
You are not eligible if you have a debt relief order, an individual voluntary arrangement, an interim order or are an undischarged bankrupt, or if you have used Breathing Space in the last 12 months (unless it was for a mental health crisis). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 60 daysBreathing SpaceUp to 60 days, or mental health crisis treatment plus 30 days
- 12 monthsUse Breathing Space againNot within 12 months, unless it was for a mental health crisis
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find a free debt adviser through MoneyHelper’s Debt Advice Locator.
Step 2 of 5
Talk to the adviser about your debts. They decide whether Breathing Space is appropriate and apply for you.
Step 3 of 5
While it lasts, keep paying what you can, such as rent and bills, and work on a plan with the adviser.
Step 4 of 5
If you are receiving mental health crisis treatment and cannot speak to an adviser, someone else can do so for you.
Step 5 of 5
Before it ends, agree the next step with your adviser.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
MoneyHelper Debt Advice
You are struggling with debt. Use the Debt Advice Locator to find free local advice.
Debt Adviser: Breathing Space Application
You need time to get advice and make a plan. A debt adviser applies for you.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Breathing Space does not wipe out your debts. It gives you time to get advice and make a plan.
Want Help?
We do not take these complaints as cases, but our free letter templates can write your complaint for you, and the Financial Ombudsman Service is free.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/options-for-dealing-with-your-debts/breathing-space Checked 12 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026