Breathing Space is a government scheme that gives you time to deal with your debts.
It can:
- Pause enforcement action from creditors
- Freeze interest and charges on qualifying debts
There are two types of Breathing Space:
- Standard Breathing Space – for anyone with qualifying debts
- Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space – for people receiving mental health crisis treatment
Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)
Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) guidance for creditors
Standard Breathing Space
This option gives you 60 days of protection from interest, fees and enforcement action.
During this time, you must work with a debt adviser to find a long-term solution.
You still need to pay ongoing bills such as rent, utilities and taxes.
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
This option is available if you’re receiving mental health crisis treatment.
- It lasts for the duration of your treatment plus 30 days.
- An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) must confirm your treatment.
- Someone else (such as a carer, social worker or mental health nurse) can apply on your behalf.
- You can apply more than once a year if needed.
Debt respite scheme (breathing space): Guidance on mental health crisis breathing space
Who can apply?
You may qualify if:
- You owe one or more qualifying debts (e.g. credit cards, loans, overdrafts, rent arrears, fuel arrears, Council Tax arrears)
- You’re not using another formal debt solution (such as bankruptcy or an IVA)
Debts that don’t qualify include:
- Court fines
- Universal Credit advance payments
- Student loans
- Secured debts (like mortgages) unless you’re in arrears
Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)
How to apply
Standard Breathing Space
Contact a debt adviser. If you’re eligible, they will apply to the Insolvency Service for you.
Free debt advice is available from:
- StepChange – 0800 138 1111
- National Debtline – 0800 111 6768
Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
Complete the Mental Health Breathing Space Self-Referral or ask your nominated person to apply.
You will be contacted and told the outcome of your referral.