Breathing space
Breathing space is a government scheme in England and Wales that gives you up to 60 days of legal protection from creditors while you get debt advice.
Also known as: breathing space scheme, debt respite scheme
During the 60 days, creditors cannot add interest or charges, contact you to demand payment or take enforcement action. You must apply through a debt adviser, who will check you are eligible. A separate mental health crisis breathing space lasts for the length of your treatment plus 30 days.
Breathing space does not write off debt. Its purpose is to give you time to work out a longer-term solution without pressure from creditors.
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7 min readReadThis page provides general information only. It is not personalised financial, legal or tax advice, and rules and figures can change. Your situation is unique — please check official sources such as GOV.UK and MoneyHelper, and speak to a qualified, FCA-authorised adviser before making important decisions about your money.