Debt and Mental Health UK: Your Rights

By Hamid Ali, Founder of DebtShift · Updated October 21, 2026 · United Kingdom

It is 3am, the numbers still do not add up, and the letters you have not opened are in a pile on the side.

Short answer: You do not have to hide this from creditors. Tell them, and they can change how they contact you or pause payments. If you are getting mental health crisis treatment, an Approved Mental Health Professional can support a breathing space that freezes most interest, fees and enforcement for the length of treatment plus 30 days. If you feel in danger, call Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999.

Based on MoneyHelper, MoneyHelper on breathing space, National Debtline, StepChange and Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. This covers England and Wales. It is general information, not medical advice.

See all my UK debt options

You are not the exception

In 2019 the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute reported that 46% of people in problem debt also have a mental health problem, and that people with mental health problems are 3.5 times more likely to be in problem debt (Money and Mental Health Policy Institute). MoneyHelper says depression, anxiety and stress can make budgeting harder and make phone calls, bank visits and opening bills feel impossible (MoneyHelper).

Tell them, in the way that suits you

StepChange says vulnerable customers can ask creditors to change how they communicate, pause payments, or stop enforcement action, and many creditors have dedicated teams (StepChange). MoneyHelper suggests choosing the contact method that suits you, whether webchat, email, phone or in person, and asking for a note on your account (MoneyHelper).

Ask each creditor what evidence they accept. A Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form from a health professional is one option (MoneyHelper).
Nominate someone you trust to speak for you (StepChange).
Consider a notice of correction on your credit file through Experian or TransUnion (MoneyHelper).

Know my rights with collectors

Two kinds of breathing space

Standard breathing space lasts up to 60 days and needs a debt adviser; you cannot have it again within 12 months (MoneyHelper). The mental health crisis version has no 60-day cap. It runs for the length of treatment plus 30 days, you do not have to show you will enter a debt solution, and there is no limit on how many times you can use it (National Debtline).

To qualify you must be detained under the Mental Health Act, taken to a place of safety, or getting crisis, emergency or acute care from a specialist service. An AMHP decides whether your treatment qualifies (MoneyHelper). A nominated point of contact must confirm every 30 days that treatment continues. More on breathing space.

Build my payoff plan

The two Breathing Space routes side by side

	Standard Breathing Space	Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
How long	Up to 60 days, with a review between days 25 and 35.	The length of your treatment plus 30 days.
How you get it	Only through a debt adviser.	You cannot apply alone. An Approved Mental Health Professional must support the application.
Who qualifies	Lives in England or Wales with a qualifying debt. Not already in a DRO, IVA or bankruptcy. Not used in the last 12 months.	Detained or taken to a place of safety under the Mental Health Act, or receiving crisis or acute care for a serious mental disorder.
Your conditions	Keep in touch with your adviser, avoid new borrowing over £500, keep paying essential bills.	The standard conditions do not apply. Someone confirms every 30 days that you are still in treatment.

Both stop most interest, fees and enforcement on qualifying debts. Neither covers court fines, child maintenance, student loans and some other debts, and neither is a payment holiday. When it ends, creditors can start again. Scotland has a similar scheme called a Statutory Moratorium, and Northern Ireland has no equivalent. Source: MoneyHelper.

A worked example: what the 60 days are for

Day	What happens
0	Your adviser registers Breathing Space. Creditors stop adding interest, fees and enforcement on qualifying debts.
25 to 35	A review checks you still qualify.
40	You and your adviser compare a debt management plan, a Debt Relief Order and an IVA, using your real income and spending.
60	Protection ends. By now you need the next step lined up, because interest and enforcement can restart.

Sixty days is short, which is why the useful work is choosing a route before day 60. Free adviser: StepChange on 0800 138 1111. For help with your mood, speak to your GP, or Samaritans on 116 123 at any hour.

When income has dropped

MoneyHelper says Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance may help if you cannot work for a long time, and PIP may be available if a mental health condition affects mobility or daily tasks. If you go into hospital, tell the DWP, HMRC or council, because some benefits can stop after a stay of usually more than 28 days (MoneyHelper). See Universal Credit and debt.

Do not ignore creditors, as they are more likely to keep chasing you (MoneyHelper). Stopped paying already? Here is what happens. For a longer-term route, see debt management plans.

If things feel too heavy right now, Samaritans is free on 116 123, any time. You can also text SHOUT to 85258, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger (MoneyHelper lists all three).

The questions behind the question

Do I have to tell my creditors about my mental health?

No, it is your choice. StepChange says you decide how much to share, but creditors cannot help if they do not know (StepChange). MoneyHelper says that once they know, they can offer better support (MoneyHelper).

What proof do they want?

Often a standard Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form, completed by a health professional. MoneyHelper notes not all creditors require it (MoneyHelper). StepChange says you can send one to creditors (StepChange).

Can I ask someone else to deal with them for me?

Yes. StepChange says you can nominate a friend, family member or support worker to contact creditors for you; you may need a password or a letter (StepChange). MoneyHelper also mentions a third-party mandate (MoneyHelper).

What is mental health crisis breathing space?

A debt freeze for people getting crisis treatment. It lasts for the length of the treatment plus 30 days, and an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) must confirm the treatment (MoneyHelper). Protections match standard breathing space (National Debtline).

Can I apply for it myself?

Not on your own. MoneyHelper says an AMHP must support the application and complete an evidence form (MoneyHelper). National Debtline says you can refer yourself, but the AMHP-signed form must accompany it (National Debtline).

Does it mean I stop paying everything?

No. MoneyHelper says it is not a payment holiday: keep paying bills and regular debt repayments where you can (MoneyHelper).

Is it a sign I am weak?

No. A Money and Mental Health Policy Institute analysis from 2019 found 46% of people in problem debt also have a mental health problem, and people with mental health problems are 3.5 times more likely to be in problem debt (Money and Mental Health Policy Institute).

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

Last reviewed October 2026