If you live in England or Wales, you can get temporary protection from your creditors while you get debt advice and make a plan.

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This scheme is called ‘Breathing Space’.

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You can get temporary protection for up to 60 days.

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You’ll still need to make your debt repayments.

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If you get it:

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enforcement action cannot be taken against you

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your creditors cannot contact you about debts included in your Breathing Space

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your creditors cannot add interest or charges to your debt

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If you’re getting mental health crisis treatment, your protection from creditors will be longer. It will last for the length of your treatment, plus another 30 days.

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How to apply for the Breathing Space scheme

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To apply for the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme, you need to talk to a debt adviser. They will submit an application on your behalf if it’s the right thing to do.

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You can find a free debt adviser on the Money Advice Service website. You can get confidential advice online, over the phone or in person.

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If you’re receiving mental health treatment and cannot speak to a debt adviser, someone else can do so on your behalf.

Costs

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It’s free to apply for ‘Breathing Space’, but some debt advisers may charge you a fee.

Eligibility

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You must:

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not have a debt relief order (DRO), an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), an interim order, or be an undischarged bankrupt at the time you apply

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not already be using the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme

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not have used the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme in the last 12 months, unless it was for a mental health crisis