Can't Pay Your Debts? There is a Way Out
If you are struggling with debt and can not afford your payments, you are not alone. Millions of people in the UK face the same situation. The important thing is that there are solutions available, and getting help early means more options.
How We Can Help
Stop creditor contact
Legal solutions stop letters, calls, and threats
Freeze interest and charges
Your debt stops growing
One affordable payment
Based on what you can actually afford
Write off remaining debt
After 60 months, the rest is cleared
What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Debts?
Understanding what creditors can and can not do helps you feel more in control. Here is what typically happens when debts go unpaid.
Letters and phone calls
Creditors will try to contact you to arrange payment. This can feel stressful but you have rights.
Default notices
After 3 to 6 months of missed payments, you may receive default notices. This affects your credit file.
Debt collectors
Your debt may be passed to a collection agency. They have the same rights as the original creditor, no more.
Court action (CCJ)
Creditors can apply for a County Court Judgment if you do not respond to previous attempts.
Bailiffs
If a CCJ is not paid, bailiffs may be instructed. But you have rights and options at every stage.
You Can Stop This Process
At any stage, entering a formal debt solution like an IVA legally stops creditors from taking further action. The sooner you get help, the more options you have.
Solutions When You Can't Afford Debt Payments
If you are unable to pay your debts, these formal solutions can help reduce what you owe and protect you from creditors.
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
A legally binding agreement where you pay what you can afford for 60 months, then remaining debt is written off.
- Up to 85% debt written off
- Creditors must stop all contact
- Interest and charges frozen
- One affordable monthly payment
- Protection from bailiffs and CCJs
Eligibility: 2+ debts, £2,500+ total, can afford £100+ per month
Learn moreDebt Management Plan (DMP)
An informal arrangement where we negotiate with creditors to reduce your monthly payments.
- Reduced monthly payments
- We deal with creditors for you
- No credit check required
- Flexible, can change if income changes
- Suitable for homeowners
Eligibility: Any debt level, affordable payments negotiated
Learn moreDebt Relief Order (DRO)
A formal solution that writes off debt after 12 months for people with low income and few assets.
- All qualifying debt written off
- Low cost (£90 fee)
- Creditors can not chase you
- Lasts only 12 months
Eligibility: Debts under £30,000, assets under £2,000, low income
Learn moreNot sure which option is right for you?
Check your options freeCommon Myths About Not Paying Debts
There is a lot of misinformation about what happens when you can not pay. Here are the facts.
I will go to prison if I can't pay
You can not go to prison for normal debts like credit cards, loans, or overdrafts
Bailiffs can break into my home
Bailiffs can only enter through an unlocked door on the first visit and need a warrant
Creditors can take everything I own
Essential items like clothes, furniture, and tools for work are protected
There is no help available for people in debt
Free advice and legal debt solutions exist specifically to help people who can not pay
Debt solutions will make things worse
Solutions like IVAs provide legal protection and can write off significant debt
How it works
Getting help is easier than you think. Here is what happens when you get in touch with us.
Have a chat with us
Call us or fill in the form. We will listen to what is going on and explain your options in plain English. No pressure, just help.
We look at your situation
We will work out what money is coming in, what is going out, and what you owe. This helps us find the best way to help you.
We sort everything out
Once you decide what to do, we handle all the paperwork and talk to the companies you owe money to. You do not have to do this yourself.
Get debt free
You make one payment each month that you can afford. Your debt goes down, and eventually, you are free of it. A fresh start.
Ready to take the first step?
Check If You QualifyPeople Who Found a Way Out
Real stories from people who could not pay their debts and found solutions that worked.
"I was terrified. I could not sleep because of the letters and calls. I thought I would lose everything. The IVA stopped all of that and now I pay what I can actually afford. I wish I had done it sooner."
James M.
Newcastle
Result
£32,000 debt, £180/month
"I was drowning in credit card debt and could not even make the minimum payments. They explained my options without judgment and helped me into a plan that actually works for my budget."
Claire T.
Bristol
Result
63% debt written off
"I thought there was no way out. I had loans, cards, overdrafts, everything. Now I have one payment I can manage and I know exactly when I will be debt free. The relief is incredible."
Mark S.
Glasgow
Result
7 debts consolidated
Questions About Not Being Able to Pay Debts
Common questions from people who are struggling with debt and can not afford their payments.
Our advisors understand what you are going through. Get free, confidential help with your debt problems.
Get Free AdviceWhat happens if I can't pay my debts?
If you can not pay your debts, creditors will first send letters and make phone calls. They may pass the debt to a collection agency. For some debts, they can apply to court for a County Court Judgment (CCJ). This can lead to bailiff action or attachment of earnings. However, there are legal protections and solutions available. Getting advice early gives you more options.
Can I go to prison for not paying debts?
No, you can not go to prison for most types of debt in the UK. This includes credit cards, loans, overdrafts, and catalogue debts. However, there are a few exceptions: you can face prison for not paying council tax (if there is a wilful refusal), TV licence, or child maintenance. For normal debts, creditors can only pursue civil remedies like CCJs.
What are my options if I can't afford to pay my debts?
You have several options depending on your situation. An IVA can write off up to 85% of debt with fixed 60 month payments. A Debt Management Plan reduces payments to what you can afford. A Debt Relief Order writes off debt if you have very little income. Bankruptcy clears most debts but has serious consequences. Free advice can help you find the right option.
Will bailiffs come if I can't pay?
Bailiffs (now called enforcement agents) can only come if the creditor has obtained a court judgment and you have not paid or made an arrangement. They need a warrant and can only enter your home through a door that is already open (not by force on the first visit). You have rights, and there are ways to stop bailiffs including entering a debt solution.
Can my wages be taken if I can't pay debts?
Creditors can apply for an attachment of earnings order after getting a CCJ, which means money is taken directly from your wages. However, there are limits on how much can be taken based on your income. Entering an IVA or other debt solution can prevent this from happening as creditors must stop all enforcement action.
What if I can't pay my credit cards?
If you can not pay your credit cards, contact your card provider first as they may offer a payment plan. If you have multiple credit card debts, a formal solution like an IVA can freeze interest, stop contact from creditors, and potentially write off a large portion of what you owe. Missing credit card payments will affect your credit score.
How do I deal with creditors I can't pay?
If you are struggling to deal with creditors, getting professional debt advice is the best first step. Advisors can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and help you enter a solution that provides legal protection. In an IVA or bankruptcy, creditors must stop all contact and can not take further action against you.
Is there help available if I can't pay my debts?
Yes, there is plenty of free help available. Charities like StepChange and Citizens Advice offer free debt advice. You may qualify for solutions like IVAs that freeze interest and write off debt, or a Debt Relief Order if you have low income and few assets. Getting advice early means more options are available to you.
You Do Not Have to Face This Alone
If you can not pay your debts, there are people who can help. Our free assessment takes just 2 minutes and can show you a way forward. No judgment, just solutions.
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