What this tool does

This checker gives you a quick sense of whether some or all of your debts could legally be written off, paused, or dealt with through one of the formal debt solutions available in the UK. It points you towards the routes that might suit your circumstances, so you have a starting point before speaking to a debt adviser.

It covers the main options people ask about, including Debt Relief Orders, Individual Voluntary Arrangements, bankruptcy, and the Breathing Space scheme. It will not make the decision for you, but it will help you understand which doors are open.

When to use it

It is worth a few minutes of your time if you are falling behind on payments, only making minimums, borrowing to pay other debts, or feeling that things are no longer manageable. You might be dealing with credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans, council tax arrears, catalogue debts, or a mix of all of these.

It is suitable whether you have a small amount owed on a low income, or larger debts with some assets to think about. If you are not sure what a DRO or IVA actually involves, or you have heard bankruptcy mentioned and want to know if it applies to you, this is a sensible first step.

How it works

You answer a short set of questions about what you owe, your income, your housing situation, and any assets. The tool then gives you a plain English summary of which debt solutions you could look into, along with a brief note on what each one means in practice. Your answers are not saved and you do not need to give your name, email, or any account details. Once you have your results, you can take them to a free debt advice service such as StepChange, National Debtline, or Citizens Advice, who can confirm what is right for you and help you apply.