Struggling with debt? You have more options than you think.
Millions of people across England and Wales are dealing with unmanageable debt. Go Debt Free gives you clear, honest, and impartial information about every structured debt solution available under UK law — so you can make the right decision, at your own pace.
Your debt. Your decision.
Our job is to inform.
Go Debt Free is a specialist UK platform that helps people understand the structured debt solutions available under UK law. We are not a financial advisor — we do not tell you what to do. But we make sure you have the knowledge, the tools, and the right introduction to make the best decision for your circumstances.
Completely impartial information
We cover all four UK debt solutions equally — no vested interest, no agenda. Just honest information about every option available to you.
In-depth, jargon-free guides
Our articles and comparison resources are written for real people — not financial professionals. Plain English throughout, with no watered-down content.
Regulated introductions when you are ready
If you choose to proceed, we introduce you exclusively to FCA-authorised debt solutions providers. The decision about whether to act is entirely yours.
Every UK debt solution, clearly explained
There is no universal answer to debt. The right path depends entirely on your income, your assets, the type of debt you hold, and your long-term goals. Here is every option available under current UK law.
IVA
A legally binding agreement between you and your unsecured creditors to repay a portion of what you owe over five to six years. Interest and charges are frozen from the moment your IVA is approved. At the end of the agreed term, any remaining eligible debt is legally written off — provided you have met your obligations throughout.
Formal · 5 to 6 yearsDMP
An informal arrangement where your debts are consolidated into a single, affordable monthly payment, which is then distributed among your creditors. There is no court involvement and no legal obligation on creditors to accept the plan. Because you repay the full balance owed, a DMP typically runs for longer than an IVA, but it offers considerably more flexibility.
Informal · Flexible durationDRO
Designed specifically for people with low income, minimal assets, and total unsecured debts below £30,000. Once a DRO is granted, enforcement of all listed debts is paused for 12 months. If your financial situation has not materially improved by the end of that period, every included debt is legally written off in full — at a government-set application cost of just £90.
Low income · 12 monthsBankruptcy
A formal legal process, administered through the courts, for clearing debts that you have no realistic prospect of repaying. The bankruptcy period typically lasts 12 months, after which remaining unsecured debts are discharged. However, it carries significant and long-lasting consequences — for property, assets, credit rating, and certain types of employment — which must be understood fully before proceeding.
Legal process · Lasting impactHow Go Debt Free actually works
We are a platform and an introducer — not an advisor. We give you the knowledge to understand your position clearly, then connect you with a regulated specialist if and when you are ready. No pressure. No agenda.
Understand your situation
Use our in-depth guides, comparison tools, and articles to learn what each solution actually means in practice — the duration, the legal implications, the impact on your credit file, your assets, and your day-to-day life. Take as long as you need, with no pressure from anyone.
Use our eligibility checker
Answer eight straightforward questions about your income, debts, employment, and assets. Our tool provides an immediate initial indication of which solutions you may qualify for — with absolutely no impact on your credit score and no data shared with any third party at this stage.
Speak to a regulated specialist
If you choose to proceed, we introduce you to an FCA-authorised debt solutions provider. They carry out a thorough, personalised assessment of your financial situation and explain every available option in plain English. What you do next is entirely your decision — there is never any obligation.
Go Debt Free is not FCA-authorised and does not provide financial advice. We act solely as an introducer and may receive a referral fee.
You may benefit from exploring options if...
These are common indicators that a structured debt solution could be relevant to your situation. A regulated provider will always conduct a thorough assessment before recommending anything.
You are falling behind on monthly repayments
Missing payments regularly, using credit to service credit, or relying on overdrafts month to month are all clear signs that your current situation is unsustainable without intervention.
Your debts are primarily unsecured
Credit cards, personal loans, store cards, payday loans, and overdrafts are covered by most formal debt solutions. Secured debts such as mortgages are generally treated separately.
You are based in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
IVA, DMP, DRO, and Bankruptcy are the primary solutions available in these regions. Scotland operates under different insolvency legislation — speak to a Scottish debt specialist if you are based there.
Your total unsecured debt is £5,000 or more
Most formal solutions have a minimum threshold. Eligibility for each solution also depends on the number of creditors, the type of debt, and your monthly income after essential outgoings.
This information is a guide only and is not a guarantee of eligibility. Final eligibility is always assessed by a regulated, FCA-authorised provider following a thorough personal financial review.
IVA vs DMP vs DRO vs Bankruptcy — the full breakdown
Not all debt solutions work the same way. This table compares each option across every factor that matters — from duration and costs, to legal standing, asset protection, and long-term impact on your life.
| Factor | IVAIndividual Voluntary Arrangement |
DMPDebt Management Plan |
DRODebt Relief Order |
BankruptcyCourt insolvency procedure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Formal and legally binding | Informal and non-binding | Formal and legally binding | Formal court procedure |
| Duration | Typically 5 to 6 years | Varies — often 5 to 10 years depending on balance | 12 months (moratorium period) | Usually 12 months (though some restrictions last longer) |
| Minimum debt | Typically £6,000 across at least two creditors | No formal minimum required | Total debt must be under £30,000 | No minimum, though court fees of £680 apply |
| Income required? | Yes — regular income is required to fund contributions | Yes — regular income needed for payments | Low income only — surplus must be under £50 per month | No income requirement, but assets will be assessed and may be realised |
| Asset protection | Home equity may need to be released in year 5 — this is assessed individually | Assets are generally unaffected throughout a DMP | Assets must be valued under £2,000 to qualify | Property and valuables can be seized by the Official Receiver |
| Debt written off? | Yes — remaining eligible balance is written off upon successful completion | No — the full balance must be repaid, though creditors often freeze interest | Yes — all listed debts are discharged after 12 months | Yes — remaining unsecured debts are discharged after 12 months |
| Credit file impact | Recorded for 6 years from the date of registration | Defaults are recorded — can remain 6 years from default date | Recorded for 6 years from the date of registration | Recorded for 6 years from the adjudication date |
| Creditor contact halted? | Yes — creditors are legally prevented from contacting you once approved | Often informal — creditors may still contact you as there is no legal obligation | Yes — a legal moratorium prevents creditor action | Yes — court protection stops all enforcement action |
| Employment impact | Some regulated professions (financial services, law) may be affected — check your contract | Generally no employment impact for most roles | May restrict some roles — check your employment contract and professional body guidance | Significant restrictions apply in many professional and public sector roles |
| Fees | Yes — Insolvency Practitioner fees are deducted from your monthly contributions (not paid upfront) | Minimal — some providers charge a small monthly administration fee | £90 government-set application fee — no additional charges | £680 government-set court fee — payable before the petition is lodged |
| Interest frozen? | Yes — interest and charges are frozen as soon as the IVA is approved | Often — depends on individual creditor cooperation, not guaranteed | Yes — interest ceases during the 12-month moratorium period | Yes — all enforcement and interest stops from the point of application |
| Public record? | Yes — listed publicly on the Individual Insolvency Register | No — there is no public record of a DMP | Yes — listed on the Individual Insolvency Register | Yes — listed on the Individual Insolvency Register |
| Suitable for homeowners? | Possible — but equity release clause in year 5 must be understood before proceeding | Yes — a DMP does not directly affect your property | No — homeowners typically cannot qualify for a DRO | Not recommended — your home may be at serious risk |
Understand where you stand before speaking to anyone
Our tools give you a genuinely clear picture of your financial situation — privately, at your own pace, with no personal data shared and no commitment of any kind until you are ready.
Eligibility Checker
Answer eight straightforward questions about your debts, income, employment status, and assets. The tool gives you an instant initial indication of which solutions you may qualify for — with no impact on your credit score and no data shared with any third party at this stage.
Monthly Budget Calculator
Map your total monthly income against every outgoing — household bills, food, transport, childcare, and all debt repayments. The calculator shows you exactly how much disposable income you actually have each month, which is a critical factor in determining eligibility for most formal debt solutions.
Debt Breakdown Tool
Enter each individual debt — the lender name, current balance, interest rate, and minimum monthly payment. The tool calculates your total owed across all creditors, the total interest you are being charged each month, and how many years it would realistically take to clear everything at your current pace.
Guides, insights and updates from Go Debt Free
Who qualifies for an IVA in the UK? A complete 2025 eligibility guide
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement is one of the most commonly used formal debt solutions in England and Wales — but it is far from suitable for everyone. This comprehensive guide breaks down the income thresholds, asset considerations, creditor voting rules, and minimum debt requirements you must understand before approaching an insolvency practitioner.
Read the full guide
IVA vs Debt Management Plan — which is right for you?
Formal versus informal. Legally binding versus flexible. Debt write-off versus full repayment. This comparison lays out the critical differences between the two most popular debt solutions in the UK — with real-world scenarios.
Read guide
Life after an IVA — how to rebuild your credit score step by step
Many people are surprised by how quickly their financial situation can improve after completing an IVA. This guide explains the credit rebuild timeline, what lenders look for, and practical steps you can take from day one.
Read guide
Who qualifies for a Debt Relief Order in 2025? The full criteria
The DRO threshold was raised to £30,000 in 2024. This guide explains the updated eligibility rules, the assets test, the income surplus limit, and which types of debt are included — and excluded.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
Everything you want to know before taking the next step — answered clearly, in plain English, without any jargon.
Find out which solutions may apply to you
It takes under 60 seconds. There is no impact on your credit score, no commitment to proceed, and no obligation whatsoever after submitting your details.
- No impact on your credit score to enquire
- Introductions made exclusively to FCA-authorised firms
- Absolutely no obligation to proceed at any stage
- Your details are handled with complete confidentiality
- We never sell your data to third parties
Check my eligibility
Quick, confidential, and no obligation at all.
Go Debt Free may receive a referral fee for introductions. This does not affect the quality or independence of the service you receive from a regulated firm.