Debt Management Plan: One Payment for All Your Debts
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) brings all your unsecured debts together into one affordable monthly payment. Keep your home, stay flexible, and take back control of your finances.
DMP Quick Facts
One Payment
All debts combined into one amount
Fully Flexible
Leave anytime, adjust as needed
Home Protected
Mortgage stays completely separate
We Negotiate
We talk to creditors for you
What is a Debt Management Plan?
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal arrangement that helps you pay back your unsecured debts at a rate you can afford. It is one of the most flexible debt solutions available in the UK.
With a DMP, you make one monthly payment to a debt management provider like Crystal Clear Debt. We then distribute this money to your creditors on your behalf. This simplifies your finances and takes the stress out of dealing with multiple payments and creditors.
Unlike an IVA, a Debt Management Plan is not legally binding. This means you have more flexibility. You can leave a DMP at any time, increase your payments when you can afford to, or switch to a different solution if your circumstances change.
DMPs are particularly popular with homeowners because they keep your mortgage completely separate. Your home is not at risk, and you continue paying your mortgage as normal while we help you manage your unsecured debts.
How a Debt Management Plan Helps You
A DMP provides practical benefits that make managing your debt simpler and less stressful.
One affordable payment
Replace multiple debt payments with one manageable monthly amount based on what you can afford.
Flexible arrangement
Leave at any time with no penalties. Adjust payments if your circumstances change.
Protect your home
DMPs only cover unsecured debt. Your mortgage and home remain completely separate.
We deal with creditors
We handle all communication with your creditors so you can focus on moving forward.
Reduced payments
Pay what you can realistically afford, not what your creditors demand.
Interest often frozen
Many creditors agree to freeze interest and charges, helping you pay off debt faster.
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 QualifyWhat Debts Can Be Included in a DMP?
A Debt Management Plan covers unsecured debts. These are debts that are not tied to your home or other assets.
Secured debts like your mortgage and car finance are not included in a DMP. You continue paying these separately as normal, which is why DMPs are popular with homeowners who want to protect their property.
Debts typically included:
DMP vs IVA: Which is Right for You?
Both solutions help with debt, but they work differently. Here is a quick comparison.
Debt Management Plan
- Informal and flexible
- Leave anytime you want
- No minimum debt amount
- Pay back full debt over time
- Great for homeowners
IVA
- Legally binding agreement
- Fixed 60 month term
- Debt written off at end
- Creditors must stop contact
- Interest always frozen
Not sure which option is best for you?
Get free adviceFriendly advice you can trust
We know debt feels overwhelming. That is why we keep things simple, honest, and judgement free.
No judgement, just help
We understand that debt can happen to anyone. Our team is here to support you, not judge you.
100% confidential
Your information stays private. We will never share your details without your permission.
Quick, simple process
Check if you qualify in just 2 minutes. No complicated forms or confusing jargon.
Friendly UK advisors
Speak to real people who understand your situation and want to help you succeed.
Proven results
We have helped thousands of people become debt free and rebuild their financial future.
Nationwide service
We help people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland find the right debt solution.
Trusted by over 15,000 people across the UK
People just like you have found their fresh start
Thousands have taken control of their debt with our help. Here are some of their stories.
"As a homeowner I was worried about losing my house. Crystal Clear recommended a Debt Management Plan which let me keep my home while paying off my debts at a rate I can afford."
Emma R.
Leeds
Result
Kept her home
"The flexibility of the DMP was perfect for me. When my circumstances changed, they adjusted my payments without any hassle. I feel in control of my finances again."
Michael P.
Newcastle
Result
£15,000 managed
"Having just one payment to make each month has made such a difference. No more juggling multiple bills and worrying about which to pay first. The team handled everything."
Lisa T.
Cardiff
Result
8 debts combined
All testimonials are from real clients. Names have been changed to protect privacy.
Common questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Debt Management Plans.
Our friendly advisors are here to help. Get free, confidential advice.
Get Free AdviceWhat is a Debt Management Plan?
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal agreement between you and your creditors to pay back your debts at a reduced rate you can afford. Unlike an IVA, a DMP is not legally binding, which means you have more flexibility. You make one monthly payment to a DMP provider, who then distributes it to your creditors on your behalf.
How much debt do you need for a Debt Management Plan?
There is no minimum debt amount required for a Debt Management Plan. However, it is typically most suitable if you have multiple unsecured debts totalling at least £1,500 and can afford to make regular monthly payments. Our free assessment will help determine if a DMP is right for your situation.
Will a Debt Management Plan affect my credit score?
Yes, a Debt Management Plan will likely affect your credit score. Your creditors may add a note to your credit file showing you are on a DMP, and if you pay less than the contractual amount, this will be recorded. However, many people find that getting their debts under control is more important than short term credit score concerns.
Can I keep my home with a Debt Management Plan?
Yes. A Debt Management Plan only covers unsecured debts like credit cards and personal loans. Your mortgage continues separately, and your home is not at risk from the DMP itself. This makes DMPs popular with homeowners who want to manage their unsecured debts while protecting their property.
How long does a Debt Management Plan last?
The length of a Debt Management Plan depends on how much you owe and how much you can afford to pay each month. Most DMPs last between 5 and 10 years, but you can pay it off faster if your circumstances improve. You can also leave a DMP at any time without penalty.
What is the difference between a DMP and an IVA?
The main difference is that an IVA is a legally binding agreement where remaining debt is written off after 60 months, while a DMP is informal and you pay back all your debt over time. DMPs offer more flexibility but take longer. IVAs provide legal protection from creditors but have stricter requirements.
Can creditors refuse a Debt Management Plan?
Yes, creditors can refuse to accept a Debt Management Plan because it is an informal arrangement. However, most creditors prefer to receive reduced payments rather than nothing at all. Our experienced team negotiates with your creditors to get the best possible outcome for you.
Will interest and charges be frozen on a DMP?
Many creditors will agree to freeze interest and charges once you start a Debt Management Plan, though this is not guaranteed. Our advisors work hard to negotiate frozen interest with your creditors, which helps you pay off your actual debt rather than just covering charges.
Compare Debt Solutions
Informal DMP
Understand the difference between formal and informal DMPs and which is better for your situation.
Setting Up a DMP
Step-by-step guide to setting up a Debt Management Plan that works for you.
Cancel a DMP
How to cancel your DMP, what happens next, and alternative options available.
Life After a DMP
What to expect when your Debt Management Plan finishes and how to rebuild your finances.
DMP Expert Tips
Professional tips to manage your DMP effectively and stay on track.
IVA vs DMP vs DRO
Full comparison of the three most popular UK debt solutions side by side.
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