- Written by Advice Centre Group Editorial Team
- Last updated: 26 September 2025
Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)
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Summary
Breathing Space, also called the Debt Respite Scheme, is a government initiative that gives people temporary protection from creditor action.
What is Breathing Space?
Breathing Space, officially known as the Debt Respite Scheme, was introduced in England and Wales in 2021. It provides temporary protection for people who are struggling with problem debt.
When you are approved for Breathing Space, creditors must stop chasing you, and they cannot add new interest or charges to your debts for the duration of the scheme. This gives you vital breathing room to think clearly and explore longer-term debt solutions without constant pressure.
There are two types of Breathing Space: Standard Breathing Space and Mental Health Breathing Space, each designed for different situations.
Who qualifies for Breathing Space?
Not everyone can apply. To be eligible, you must:
Live in England or Wales
Not already be in an insolvency solution such as an IVA or Debt Relief Order
Not have used Standard Breathing Space in the past 12 months
Agree not to take out more than £500 in new credit during the scheme
If you qualify, Breathing Space can act as a powerful pause button while you decide what debt solution is best for you.
We have supported 12,125+ individuals on their journey towards financial well-being.
Standard Breathing Space
Standard Breathing Space is available to anyone struggling with debt, provided you apply through an approved debt adviser.
Benefits include:
Creditors and debt collectors must stop contacting you
Interest and charges are frozen for up to 60 days
You have time to consider a solution without constant stress
After the first 30 days, your situation is reviewed to confirm whether the protection can continue for another 30 days.
Mental Health Breathing Space
This type of Breathing Space is designed for people in mental health crisis treatment, such as being detained under the Mental Health Act or receiving urgent psychiatric care.
Key differences include:
It lasts as long as your treatment continues, plus an extra 30 days afterward
You do not need to seek debt advice before applying
An approved mental health professional can apply on your behalf
This ensures that people experiencing severe mental health challenges are protected from creditor pressure while they focus on recovery.
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How to Apply for Breathing Space
Standard Breathing Space: You must apply through an authorised debt adviser. They will contact your creditors and manage the process.
Mental Health Breathing Space: An approved mental health professional will make the application for you.
Breathing Space does not solve debt on its own, but it provides valuable time to explore lasting options such as IVAs, DROs, or other debt management solutions.
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Take the Next Step
Breathing Space is designed to give you a pause, not a permanent fix. Once the protection ends, your creditors can resume action unless you have entered a longer-term solution.
At Advice Centre Group, we are a team who helps people move from temporary relief into real debt solutions that can write off debt and put you back in control. If you are considering this or want to explore options like an IVA or Debt Relief Order, we can guide you in confidence and help you take the next step toward becoming debt free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Breathing Space last?
Standard Breathing Space lasts up to 60 days, with a review after 30 days. Mental Health Breathing Space lasts for the duration of your treatment, plus an additional 30 days. (GOV.UK)
If you need support beyond this time, we can help you move into a debt solution that offers permanent relief.
Does Breathing Space stop bailiffs?
Yes. While you are in Breathing Space, bailiffs and debt collectors must pause enforcement action. Creditors are also not allowed to contact you about debts covered by the scheme. (Citizens Advice)
If bailiff action is a worry for you, we can help protect you with a longer-term debt solution once Breathing Space ends.
Who is eligible for Breathing Space?
To qualify for Standard Breathing Space, you must live in England or Wales, not be in another insolvency solution (such as an IVA or Debt Relief Order), and not have used Breathing Space in the last 12 months. You must also agree not to borrow more than £500 during the scheme.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, our team can review your circumstances and confirm whether you qualify.
How do I apply for Breathing Space?
You cannot apply on your own. Standard Breathing Space applications must go through an authorised debt adviser. For Mental Health Breathing Space, an approved mental health professional will make the application on your behalf. (GOV.UK)
If you think Breathing Space could help, speak with us. We are a team who can explain the process and help you plan for the next steps once the scheme ends.
What happens after Breathing Space ends?
Once Breathing Space ends, creditors can resume action unless you have entered into a debt solution. This is why many people use the scheme as a bridge into something longer-term like an IVA or DRO.
If you are nearing the end of Breathing Space, we can help you secure a debt solution that provides lasting protection.
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Adam Southard is authorised as a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner in the United Kingdom by the Insolvency Practitioners Association, We only provide advice after completing or receiving an initial fact find where the individual(s) concerned meet the criteria for one of our insolvency solutions, therefore, all advice regarding Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) is given in reasonable contemplation of an insolvency appointment.
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