Can I be debt free?
Understand your position first. Use free tools and plain-English information to understand your debts, the main options and where to get appropriate help.
Debt-solution guides currently focus on England and Wales because the rules differ across the UK.
Useful tools before you decide what to do
Debt Position Check
Organise a few basic facts about your debts. Your answers stay in your browser and are not used to recommend a debt solution.
Debt Free Calculator
Estimate how long repayment could take using your balance, APR and monthly payment.
Find free debt help
Go directly to established free advice routes, including MoneyHelper's debt advice locator.
The main routes people may come across
We explain what each route is, what the public rules say and the important consequences to understand before taking advice.
Individual Voluntary Arrangement
A formal agreement with creditors managed by an insolvency practitioner.
Debt Relief Order
A formal route for people who meet specific debt, asset, income and other criteria.
Debt Management Plan
An arrangement for repaying eligible debts at an affordable rate.
Bankruptcy
A formal insolvency process with significant consequences and restrictions.
Breathing Space
Temporary creditor protections while you obtain debt advice and make a plan.
Informal repayment
In some circumstances people may agree payments directly with creditors.
Understand what may happen next
Plain-English guides explain missed payments, defaults, CCJs, debt collectors and council tax arrears, with links to official sources.
Explore what happens if...When information is not enough
General information can help you understand the landscape. If you need a recommendation based on your circumstances, use an appropriately regulated debt adviser. We show established routes to free debt help.
Current sources, clear limits, privacy by design
Primary sources first
We prioritise GOV.UK, the Insolvency Service, FCA, MoneyHelper and other public authorities.
Review dates shown
Important pages show when their factual content was last checked.
Minimal data
Our initial tools work in your browser. We do not need your name, phone number or creditor account details to use them.