Breathing space
A legal pause that could give you time to get advice and decide what to do, while most of the people you owe hold off. It’s a pause, not a way to clear what you owe.
Roughly how much do you owe?
It takes about 5 minutes, and there’s no obligation to go ahead.
- About 5 minutes
to answer a few questions online
- No obligation
nothing goes ahead unless you agree
- A partner debt firm
we pass your details to one
- A real person
an adviser can call to talk it through
At a glance
Where it applies: England and Wales. Scotland has something similar, called a moratorium.
- Where it applies
- England and Wales
- How long
- Up to 60 days for the standard version
- Set up by
- A debt adviser, on your behalf
- When it ends
- The debts are still owed
General information, not advice about your situation. Limits, fees and lengths change, and the rules differ across the UK.
Why people choose it
Time to think
Interest and charges on the debts it covers may stop while you look at your options.
A pause on action
The creditors it covers may have to stop contacting you and stop enforcement action.
A chance to talk it through
It’s arranged through a debt adviser, so you go through your whole situation.
How it works
You talk to a debt adviser
Only an approved adviser can apply. They check whether you could be eligible.
The adviser applies for you
You don’t apply to the people you owe yourself.
Creditors are told
The ones it covers may have to pause interest, charges and enforcement action.
You use the time
Keep paying current bills like rent and council tax. Before it ends, choose a longer-term option with your adviser.
Weigh it up
What could help, and what to know first.
What could help
- It may stop interest and charges on the debts it covers.
- It may pause enforcement action and contact.
- You get time to get advice without pressure.
- A separate version may apply during mental health crisis treatment.
What to weigh up
- It’s temporary. You still owe the debts when it ends.
- You must keep paying current bills.
- Not every debt is covered.
- The standard version can usually be used once in a set period.
Is it right for you?
It could suit you if
- You need time to get advice before you choose.
- You’re facing enforcement action.
- You’re getting mental health crisis treatment.
It may not be right if
- You’re not in England or Wales.
- You couldn’t keep up with current bills.
- You’ve used it recently.
Other routes to compare
No one option suits everyone. People often compare these.
Token payments
Very small payments while you can’t afford more
Debt Management Plan
One monthly payment shared between the people you owe
Individual Voluntary Arrangement
One affordable monthly payment, usually for five years
Questions people ask
Does a breathing space clear my debts?
No. It pauses action for a while. You still owe the debts when it ends.
Can I ask for one myself?
No. An approved debt adviser checks whether you could be eligible and applies for you.
Does it cover every debt?
Not always. An adviser can explain which of yours are covered.
What happens when it ends?
Interest, charges and enforcement action may start again. It helps to choose a next step before the end date.
Free, impartial advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and National Debtline. MoneyHelper
Want to talk it through?
Answer a few questions and an adviser from one of our partner debt firms can call you. There’s no obligation to go ahead.