Breathing Space debt protection: what it can and cannot do
What the Debt Respite Scheme can pause, how to access it through debt advice and why it does not erase balances or replace an affordable plan.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
Breathing Space can give eligible people temporary protection from certain interest, fees, enforcement and creditor contact on included debts. A debt adviser starts the process and checks which debts qualify.
It is a pause, not a write-off. Ongoing liabilities and some excluded debts still need attention, and the adviser should use the period to build a longer-term solution. Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space has different access and duration rules.
Use an authorised debt adviser
Contact a free recognised service and disclose all debts, legal action and household circumstances. Do not pay a company simply to access a statutory scheme.
Understand included and ongoing amounts
Ask which debts and interest are protected, what payments continue, and how rent, mortgage, utilities and Council Tax are treated. Current bills arising after the start may remain due.
Report creditor breaches
Give the adviser evidence of contact, fees or enforcement after notification. Do not negotiate separately without telling the adviser where it could affect the plan.
Use the pause actively
Complete the budget, benefit check and solution comparison. Prepare for the end date and creditor contact. If circumstances worsen, contact the adviser before the protection ends.
A Breathing Space enquiry
Use with a free debt adviser.
I need an assessment for Breathing Space. My debts include [main types], with these urgent actions or deadlines: [details]. Please explain eligibility, included and excluded debts, ongoing payments, the start and end dates, and the plan we will build during the protection.
A practical checklist
- Use an authorised free adviser.
- List every debt and legal deadline.
- Understand ongoing bills.
- Build the next solution during the pause.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationmoneyhelper.org.uk
Open official informationmoneyhelper.org.uk
Open official informationChoose one next action
You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.
HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.