BREATHING SPACE
Need some breathing space from your debts?
Breathing Space can provide temporary protection from most creditor action, interest and charges while you get debt advice and consider your options.
Breathing Space at a glance
60 Days
Standard Protection
A standard Breathing Space normally lasts up to 60 days.
Interest & Fees
Generally Paused
Most interest, fees and charges on included debts are frozen during the protection.
Creditor Action
Temporarily restricted
Included creditors must stop most enforcement and contact relating to the debt.
Free
No Application Fee
There is no fee to enter Breathing Space.
What exactly is Breathing Space?
The Debt Respite Scheme, commonly known as Breathing Space, gives eligible people temporary protection from creditors while they receive debt advice and consider how to deal with their debts.
During a standard Breathing Space, creditors included in the scheme must generally stop adding interest, fees and charges and pause most enforcement action.
Standard Breathing Space normally lasts 60 days.
Important: Breathing Space gives you time and protection — it doesn't reduce or write off the debts themselves.
Potential benefits
✅ Temporary protection from creditor pressure
✅ Interest and charges are paused on included debts
✅ Stops most enforcement action
✅ Gives you time to understand your options
✅ Free to apply through an authorised debt adviser
Considerations
❌ It is only temporary protection
❌ Your debts are not written off
❌ You must continue engaging with debt advice
❌ Some debts may not qualify
❌ Creditors can restart collection activity after the protection period ends
Questions about Breathing Space
How long does Breathing Space last?
A standard Breathing Space normally provides protection for up to 60 days, provided you continue to meet the requirements of the scheme.
Does Breathing Space write off my debts?
No. Breathing Space provides temporary protection while you receive debt advice. It doesn't reduce or write off the money you owe.
Will interest and charges stop?
During Breathing Space, creditors must generally freeze interest, fees and charges on qualifying debts included in the scheme.
Can creditors still contact me?
Creditors included in your Breathing Space are restricted from contacting you to request payment of the included debt and must pause most enforcement action. There are exceptions, so the protections aren't absolute in every situation.
Do I stop making payments?
Breathing Space is not a payment holiday. You should continue paying ongoing liabilities and make payments towards your debts where you're able to do so.
What debts can be included?
Many personal debts can potentially be included, such as credit cards, loans, overdrafts and arrears. However, some liabilities are excluded or receive different treatment.
How much does Breathing Space cost?
There is no fee to enter Breathing Space.
What happens after 60 days?
The protections of a standard Breathing Space end and creditors may be able to resume interest, charges, contact and enforcement action. Ideally, you'll have used the period to receive advice and determine how you're going to deal with your debts.
What is Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space?
There is a separate form of Breathing Space for someone receiving qualifying mental health crisis treatment. It has different rules and can last for the duration of the qualifying treatment plus an additional period afterwards.
Breathing Space Alternatives
We'll help you understand the solutions available & what's right for your situation
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
Combine your debts into one affordable monthly payment with legal protection from creditors.
Debt Relief Order
(DRO)
A free debt solution that can freeze interest and write off qualifying debts.
Debt Management Plan
(DMP)
Make one manageable monthly payment while reducing pressure from creditors and regaining
To find out more about managing your money and getting free advice, visit Money Advice Service, independent service set up to help people manage their money.