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Debt Relief Order: Is It Right for Me?
A Debt Relief Order (DRO) can cancel most of your debts after about a year if you qualify. Citizens Advice says your qualifying debts must be no more than £50,000, you must have no more than £75 a month left after household costs, and your assets must be worth no more than £2,000. It is free to apply through a specialist DRO adviser.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Who Can Get One
The Limits
Your qualifying debts must be no more than £50,000; you can have no more than £75 left each month after usual household expenses; savings and valuables (assets) worth no more than £2,000; a vehicle worth less than £4,000 need not be included. It is free to apply; a special DRO adviser helps you apply to the official receiver and cannot charge. A DRO usually lasts a year, after which most debts are cancelled. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 yearA DRO usually lastsMost debts are then cancelled
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
List your debts, income and assets.
Step 2 of 5
Check the limits against your situation.
Step 3 of 5
Contact a free debt adviser who can do DRO applications.
Step 4 of 5
Do not pay anyone to arrange a DRO: it is free.
Step 5 of 5
Ask about Breathing Space while you get advice.
(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.
Check the current limits with an adviser, as they can change.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
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: 13 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
- citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/debt-solutions/debt-relief-orders/debt-relief-orders-explained/debt-relief-orders-what-you-need-to-know Checked 13 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/options-for-dealing-with-your-debts/breathing-space Checked 12 October 2026