Much of the debt advice online is written for England and Wales, and if you live in Scotland it can send you looking for schemes that do not exist where you live.
Short answer: The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a Scottish Government scheme, run by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, that lets you repay your debts through one affordable monthly payment. While you are in it, creditors cannot demand money, take you to court, make you bankrupt or add interest and charges. You apply through an approved money adviser, and the advice is free.
Based on mygov.scot, the National Debtline fact sheet and an ICAS comparison of Breathing Space and Scotland’s own rules. Check details with your adviser, because the rules can change.
Why Breathing Space is not your route
Breathing Space, the 60-day pause on interest and charges, applies in England and Wales only (ICAS). Scotland has its own system, and DAS is the one people search for most. See Breathing Space if you live elsewhere in the UK.
Who can apply
- You live in Scotland and have one or more debts.
- You have a reasonable amount left after essential spending, or an asset you can pay in.
- You have had advice from an approved money adviser.
- You are not bankrupt and not in a protected trust deed.
- Couples can apply together if both agree.
These conditions come from National Debtline. A time to pay direction or order on a single debt also stops you joining.
How the programme works
- Your adviser uses the Common Financial Tool to work out what you can afford (mygov.scot).
- You make one regular monthly payment to a payments distributor, which shares it between your creditors (National Debtline).
- Creditors have 21 days to respond, and no reply counts as agreement. If they object, the DAS Administrator can still approve it using a fairness test.
- Your first payment is due within 42 days of approval.
- Mortgage or rent arrears can be included or left out.
What it costs, and where it can go wrong
Advice from Citizens Advice, independent advice centres and councils is free. The standard DAS fees are paid by creditors and come out of your monthly payment, so creditors receive less (National Debtline). No percentage is given, so ask your adviser for the figure.
The risks are real: missed payments can end the programme, frozen interest can come back, and the credit file will show it. You can also borrow only up to £2,000 while in DAS unless you already owe £1,000 on debts outside it (National Debtline).
If DAS looks too heavy, ask your adviser about the other Scottish routes. For a quick view of what may fit, try the bankruptcy and DRO checker, and read how to write off debt in the UK and IVA pros and cons. If collectors are chasing you in the meantime, check what they may and may not do.
What readers often ask
Can I apply for DAS on my own?
No. You apply through an approved money adviser, and not every adviser is approved (mygov.scot). Citizens Advice Scotland can help you find one (National Debtline).
Does DAS stop interest?
Yes. National Debtline says interest, fees and charges are frozen from the date you apply, and written off if you complete the programme in full (National Debtline).
What happens if I miss payments?
The DAS Administrator may revoke the programme if arrears reach two months’ payments and another payment is due. You must get at least four weeks to respond, and creditors can then reclaim the frozen interest and charges (National Debtline). If you are about to miss a payment, talk to your adviser first, and read what happens if you stop paying.
Does DAS affect my credit file?
Credit reference agencies check the DAS Register and may record that you have a programme, which is likely to affect your ability to borrow (National Debtline).
Can I take a break if my money drops?
Yes. A payment holiday of up to six months is available if the money you have available falls by half or more, and there is no limit on how many you can ask for (National Debtline).
Can I include my student loan?
Not if your application was made after 27 June 2015 (National Debtline). Child support arrears cannot be protected either and have to be paid as essential spending.
Disclaimer: DebtShift is an educational platform operated by H Ali Logistics Ltd, which is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This article is general education, not financial or legal advice. For free, impartial debt advice, contact StepChange on 0800 138 1111.
Sources
- mygov.scot, What is DAS?
- National Debtline, Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland)
- ICAS, Breathing Space regulations compared with the Scottish moratorium on diligence
Last reviewed October 2026
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