What Is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space is the everyday name for the Debt Respite Scheme. It is designed to give people in England and Wales temporary protection from some creditor action while they get debt advice and make a plan. It does not wipe out debt, but it can create some breathing room while you work out what to do next.

At the time this article was reviewed, GOV.UK said a standard Breathing Space can provide protection for up to 60 days. During that period, enforcement action cannot usually be taken on included debts, creditors cannot contact you about those included debts, and interest or charges cannot be added to them.

You still need to keep paying ongoing bills and repayments if you can. Breathing Space is not a payment holiday and it does not make debts disappear. Its purpose is to pause some of the pressure while you work with a debt adviser on what happens next.

You cannot apply for Breathing Space directly by yourself. A debt adviser has to submit the application for you if they think it is suitable. You can find free debt advice through MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, StepChange, National Debtline and other free advice organisations.

There is also a mental health crisis Breathing Space. If someone is receiving mental health crisis treatment, the protection can last longer than a standard Breathing Space. In some cases, someone else may be able to speak to a debt adviser on their behalf.

Breathing Space may be useful if creditor contact, letters, enforcement threats or interest are making it harder to deal with the problem. It can give you time to gather information, understand priority bills, and look at your options without everything feeling quite so immediate.

It is not always the right option for everyone. Some debts may not be covered, and there are responsibilities during the period. A debt adviser can explain what would be included, what would still need paying, and whether another route would be better.

Clear Balance provides general information, not debt advice. If you think Breathing Space might help, speak to a free debt adviser before relying on it or stopping any payments.