Breathing Space Scheme UK: Stop Debt Collectors Legally (2026)

Breathing Space UK: How to Get 60 Days Free From Debt Collectors in 2026

The phone wouldn’t stop ringing. Letters every day. I’d stopped opening them. If that’s where you are right now — there is a legal way to make it stop. It’s called Breathing Space.

It gives you 60 days of legal protection from your creditors. Interest frozen. Enforcement stopped. Collector calls stopped. All of it — legally — while you work out your next move.

Here’s exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply today.

What Is Breathing Space?

Breathing Space is a government-backed scheme that launched in England and Wales on 4 May 2021. It is part of the Debt Respite Scheme and is regulated under law.

It is not a debt solution. Your debt doesn’t go away. But for 60 days creditors cannot:

• Add interest or charges to your qualifying debts
• Take enforcement action against you
• Contact you directly about those debts

That 60 days gives you time to breathe — and to get proper debt advice without the pressure of collectors on your back.

The Two Types of Breathing Space

1. Standard Breathing Space — 60 Days

Available to any adult in England or Wales with a qualifying debt. Lasts 60 days. During that time interest and fees freeze and enforcement stops.

You must use the 60 days to work with a debt adviser toward a longer term solution.

2. Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space — No Time Limit

If you are currently receiving mental health crisis treatment, you can apply for this version. It lasts for the full duration of your crisis treatment plus 30 days after it ends.

There is no 60-day cap. You can also apply for this more than once in 12 months.

An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) must confirm you are receiving crisis care before you can apply.

Do You Qualify for Breathing Space?

To qualify for standard Breathing Space you must:

• Live in England or Wales
• Have at least one qualifying debt you cannot afford to pay
• Not currently be bankrupt or have an active IVA, DRO or interim order
• Not have used standard Breathing Space in the last 12 months

Important: Breathing Space is not available in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own debt protection scheme called the Debt Arrangement Scheme.

Which Debts Qualify?

Most personal debts qualify including:

• Credit cards and store cards
• Personal loans and overdrafts
• Council tax arrears
• Rent arrears
• Benefit overpayments
• Utility bill arrears
• Parking fines and penalty charges

Debts that do not qualify:

• Ongoing mortgage or rent payments (arrears can qualify, ongoing payments cannot)
• Ongoing council tax or utility payments
• Ongoing taxes and National Insurance
• Student loans
• Child maintenance
• Universal Credit advance repayments

How to Apply for Breathing Space

You cannot apply directly yourself. You must apply through a debt adviser who is authorised by the FCA to provide debt counselling.

Here’s how to get it started today — for free:

1. Contact StepChange — stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111. Free, regulated, no judgment.
2. Or contact National Debtline — nationaldebtline.org or call 0808 808 4000
3. Or Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
4. The adviser reviews your situation and applies on your behalf
5. If approved, creditors are notified and protection starts immediately

There is no fee to apply. If anyone charges you to apply for Breathing Space — walk away. It is free.

What Happens During Breathing Space?

Once your Breathing Space starts:

• All qualifying creditors are legally notified
• Interest and charges on qualifying debts freeze immediately
• Enforcement action stops — no bailiffs, no court action
• Creditors cannot contact you directly about those debts
• You work with your debt adviser to find a long-term solution

You must continue paying ongoing costs — mortgage, rent, utilities, council tax. These are not covered by Breathing Space.

When Does Breathing Space End?

Standard Breathing Space ends after 60 days automatically. It can also end early if:

• You cancel it yourself
• Your debt adviser cancels it — for example if you stop engaging with them
• You no longer meet the eligibility criteria

When it ends, interest and enforcement can resume. That is why the 60 days must be used to put a proper debt solution in place — not just to delay.

Breathing Space vs Other Debt Solutions

Breathing Space is not a solution on its own. Think of it as a bridge — it buys you time to reach one of these:

• Debt Management Plan — repay everything over time with frozen or reduced interest
• IVA — legally binding repayment plan, remainder written off after 5-6 years
• Debt Relief Order — debt written off after 12 months if you qualify
• Bankruptcy — last resort, most debt written off after 12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Breathing Space myself?

No. You must apply through an FCA-authorised debt adviser. You cannot apply directly through the government. Contact StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice — all free.

Does Breathing Space affect my credit score?

Breathing Space itself is not recorded on your credit file. However the debts that triggered it — missed payments and defaults — will already be there. Breathing Space doesn’t make that worse.

Can I use Breathing Space more than once?

Standard Breathing Space can only be used once every 12 months. Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space has no such restriction.

What happens to my debt after Breathing Space ends?

The debt remains. Creditors can resume interest and enforcement. That is why you must use the 60 days to agree a longer term plan with your debt adviser.

Is Breathing Space available in Scotland?

No. The Breathing Space scheme only applies to England and Wales. Scotland has its own Debt Arrangement Scheme which works differently.

Will bailiffs stop during Breathing Space?

Yes. Enforcement action — including bailiff visits — must stop once Breathing Space is approved. If a bailiff contacts you during an active Breathing Space, report it to your debt adviser immediately.

Disclaimer: DebtShift is an educational platform, not a debt advice firm. We are not regulated by the FCA. For free regulated debt advice contact StepChange at stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111. All information is for general guidance only.