When you’re overwhelmed by debt, even opening the post or answering the phone can feel daunting. The Breathing Space scheme is designed to give you time, protection, and space to get proper debt advice without added pressure.

What is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space is a government-backed scheme in England and Wales that offers temporary legal protection from most creditor action while you seek debt advice, and work on a plan to deal with what you owe. It typically lasts up to 60 days and pauses enforcement, freezes interest, and stops creditor contact.

Types of Breathing Space

There are two types: Standard Breathing Space (60 days) and Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space, which lasts for the duration of mental health crisis treatment plus 30 days.

📋 Debts that can be included

Most debts can be included such as credit cards, loans, council tax arrears, rent arrears, and utility arrears. Secured debts like mortgages can include missed payments, though ongoing payments must still be made.

✅ Eligibility for Breathing Space

To qualify for Breathing Space, you must live in England or Wales and be unable to repay some or all of your debts as they fall due.

You cannot be currently in a Debt Relief Order (DRO), Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), or be an undischarged bankrupt.

You must also not have used Standard Breathing Space in the last 12 months.

An approved debt adviser must assess your situation and confirm that Breathing Space is appropriate and that you are likely to engage in ongoing debt advice.

☎️ How to apply

To apply, you must speak to an approved debt adviser.

They determine eligibility and submit the application on your behalf. Arrange to speak to a debt adviser by phoning our Warwickshire Adviceline on freephone 0808 250 5715 (Mon -Fri 9.00-3.30) or via our weblink service Bedworth weblink, Nuneaton weblink, Rugby weblink.

What happens during breathing space?

You must continue paying essential bills, stay in touch with your adviser, and avoid taking on new debt. A mid-way review ensures progress is being made.

❌ What Breathing Space cannot do

Breathing Space cannot write off debt, cover new debts, or stop essential bills from needing payment. It is a short-term tool to give you time to find a long-term solution.