A Debt Management Plan can be a suitable solution for people struggling to manage their debts. This option will depend on your level of debt and how much you can afford to repay each month.

    To find out if a debt management plan is best for you, speak to StepChange on 0800 138 1111.

    What is a Debt Management Plan?

    A debt management plan is a debt solution which enables you to make an affordable monthly payment to your creditors via a debt management company. A debt management plan means you only have to make one monthly payment to one company, who will distribute the money on your behalf. Your debt management plan will last until all of your debt is repaid.

    People living in Scotland may wish to consider the Debt Arrangement Scheme as it offers legal protection and is a similar solution to debt management plan.

    Debt Management Plan

    How To Enter A Debt Management Plan?

    A debt management plan, most commonly know as a DMP, is an informal debt solution, for a persons unsecured debt. A debt management plan normally lasts for as long as it takes to repay the debt in full. 

    It is not legally binding and a creditor or debtor can usually stop the debt solution with 1 months notice. In a debt management plan a third party negotiates your monthly payments, this is turn makes your debt more manageable. Your payment will be divided between your creditors and similar to other debt solutions, the amount you pay each month will be based on your affordability (disposable income after paying essential living costs). 

    The length of time someone is in a debt management plan will vary from person to person, depending on your debt level and affordability. 

    A debt management plan is an informal debt solution it does not guarantee to freeze your interest and charges, this may also impact on how long the debt management plan will last for.

    Once you meet specific criteria a proposal is submitted to your creditors.

    It is always important, even when you are struggling with debt, to keep a good relationship with your creditors. It is within their interests to work with you in order to help you repay the debt owed.

    What Debts Can Be Included

    Only unsecured debts can be included into a debt management plan, such as:

    • Credit / store cards
    • Catalogues
    • Payday loans
    • Overdraft
    • Previous years council tax
    • Utility arrears

    It’s important to stress than priority household bills must be paid, such as: 

    • Mortgage / rent
    • Council tax (current year)
    • Gas and electricity
    • TV Licence 

    Benefits of a Debt Management Plan

    1. You will pay a monthly manageable sum to one company and they will distribute the money to your creditors on your behalf
    2. You may be able to get your interest and charges frozen
    3. A Debt Management Plan is an informal solution which means you are not tied in legally to the solution – you can usually leave a Debt Management Plan with a month’s notice
    4. You can increase or decrease payments if your salary changes
    5. You will be taking the first steps towards becoming debt free.

    Negatives of a Debt Management Plan

    1. Your creditors do not have to accept your proposal
    2. Any spare income will be used towards the debt solution meaning you won’t have much disposable income
    3. You have to repay all of the money you owe – you can’t get any written off
    4. Some Debt Management companies will charge a fee for administering your case, however we can point you in the direction of free Debt Management Plans, if that is the best solution for you
    5. Freezing interest and charges is not guaranteed and court action may continue
    6. Repaying small amounts over a longer time may lead to an increase in the total debt to be repaid
    7. Your credit rating will be affected for 6 years

    Please note that only unsecured debt is included in a debt management plan so you may not be debt free at the end of the plan if you have a mortgage. You must also ensure you continue to pay priority debts such as mortgage / rent and utility bills.

    A for profit debt management company will charge you a fee for administering your case.  A charity, such as StepChange, providing debt management plans will not charge you for the solution. This can save you, typically, between 10%-40% because all of your monthly contributions will go directly to your debt solution.

    Criteria to enter a Debt Management Plan

    • You must have at least two different creditors

    • You must have unsecured debt of at least £5,000

    • You must have a disposable income of £100 or above each month

    Debt Management - Questions & Answers
    Is A Debt Management Plan The Same As Debt Consolidation

    No, a debt management plan doesn’t involved taking out further credit. This is a new arrangement with your existing creditors, based on what you can afford to repay. 

    Debt consolidation is when someone borrows money to pay existing debts.

    Is A Debt Management Plan Legally Binding

    At the start of your debt management plan, you will usually be asked to sign an agreement form. 

    This gives the debt management company permission to contact creditors on your behalf.

    The debt solution itself however is not legally binding and any party involved can usually change the agreement with 1 month’s notice. 

    Do I Need To Pay My Debt Management Plan During Christmas

    Christmas, birthday’s and holidays will be included in a person’s income and expenditure, under sundries and emergencies, prior to entering the DMP. 

    Can My Debt Management Plan Affect People I Live With

    No, unless you have joint debt or joint financial products. 

    If I Enter a Debt Management Plan Can I Be Made Bankrupt

    Creditors are unlikely to declare you bankrupt because they will incur expensive fees. They are only legally allowed to declare you bankrupt in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you owe them more than £5,000, in Scotland this is £3,000. 

    The creditors must send you a formal demand to start the bankruptcy process. In the unlikely event you do receive this you should contact your DMP provider. 

    Who Can Enter A Debt Management Plan?

    To enter a debt management plan you must have a disposable income over £100 a month, unsecured debt of £5,000 and above and has two or more different creditors.

    How Does A Debt Management Plan Work?

    A debt management plan uses your disposable income (income minus expenditure) to make an affordable payment to your creditors each month.

    What Is A Debt Management Plan?

    A debt management plan is an informal agreement between you and your creditors where you agree to make a monthly contribution from your income towards your debts. Instead of having to pay several different creditors you would make the payment to one company who would distribute the funds to your creditors on your behalf.

    Is My Interest And Charges Guaranteed To Be Frozen?

    Only your creditors can agree to freeze your interest and charges. A debt management company will attempt to get your interest and charges frozen to enable you to effectively repay your debt.

    As the solution is informal your creditors can start or stop your charges and interest at any time.

    Will My Credit Rating Be Affected If I Enter A Debt Management Plan?

    You will not be making the agreed contracted payments to your creditors. As a result your credit rating is likely to be affected, making it difficult to obtain further credit.

    How Many People Are In A Debt Management Plan?

    There are an estimated 500,000 people in the UK in a Debt Management Plan.

    Can I Cancel My Debt Management Plan?

    As a Debt Management Plan is an informal arrangement you can cancel the agreement, usually with 1 months notice but your creditors may revoke any agreement to reduce/freeze interest, therefore increasing the amount you owe.

    You must not take out credit (above £500) whilst in the debt solution as this breaches the terms of your agreement.