Can I Get My Debt Written Off? (The Truth About DROs)

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal legal solution in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland designed for people with low incomes, little to no spare cash, and few assets. It is widely considered a cheaper, simpler alternative to bankruptcy.

If you qualify for a DRO, your eligible debts are legally frozen for a period of 12 months. If your financial situation has not improved at the end of that year, those debts are completely written off, meaning you do not have to pay them back.

The UK Government recently overhauled the DRO framework to make it significantly more accessible for households struggling with the cost of living.

• The £90 fee has been abolished — applying for a DRO is now completely free.
• Total debt limit increased to £50,000 (up from £30,000).
• Vehicle value limit increased to £2,000 (up from £1,000) without counting as a disqualifying asset.
• Other personal assets must not exceed £2,000 in total value.

To be eligible for a Debt Relief Order under the current rules, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. You have less than £75 of disposable income left over each month after paying your essential household bills, rent, and groceries.
2. You do not own your home (if you own a property or have equity in a mortgage, you cannot get a DRO).
3. Your total assets (excluding a single car worth up to £2,000) are worth less than £2,000 in total.
4. You have lived or worked in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland at some point during the last 3 years.

You cannot submit a DRO application yourself. You must go through an authorised insolvency practitioner or an approved debt charity (such as StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline) who will act as your 'DRO intermediary.'

They will review your bank statements and income details to confirm you qualify, and then they will submit the application to the official Insolvency Service on your behalf. Once approved, your creditors will be notified directly and must stop all collection efforts.