Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a legally binding arrangement made between you and your creditors to pay off your debts with a repayment plan that suits your circumstances.
Here, you’ll find all the information you need about IVAs, including how they work, their benefits, and important considerations.
We have supported 12,125+ individuals on their journey to financial well-being, and we can help you too.
- Written by Advice Centre Group Editorial Team
- Last updated: 22 September 2025
Introduction to Individual Voluntary Arrangement
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement, often called an IVA, is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors. It allows you to repay what you can afford, usually over five or six years, with the remaining unsecured debts written off at the end.
IVAs are managed by licensed Insolvency Practitioners who set up the arrangement and deal with your creditors on your behalf. This means you no longer have to face constant pressure from lenders once your IVA is approved.
At Advice Centre Group, we specialise in guiding people through IVAs. Every case begins with a full financial review to check if an IVA is right for you. Only once we know it’s suitable do we put forward a proposal to your creditors.
While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, many people find that an IVA can reduce their debt by a significant amount sometimes as much as 75% or more, depending on personal circumstances and creditor agreement
Benefits of an IVA
- Here’s why so many people choose to apply for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA):
- One affordable monthly payment that fits your budget
- Interest and charges on included debts are frozen
- Protection from bailiffs and legal action
- Creditor contact is stopped once the IVA is in place
- Any remaining qualifying debt is written off at the end
- A clear timeframe, usually five to six years, to become debt-free
- If debt has taken over your life, an IVA could give you the structure and protection you need to move forward.
If you’re considering an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, let us help you take the first step toward managing your debt. Contact us today for tailored advice and find out if an IVA is right for you.
Who Can Apply for an IVA?
You may be able to apply for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement if you:
Owe £6,500 or more in unsecured debt
Have debts with at least two different creditors
Receive a steady income that allows regular monthly payments
Eligibility always depends on your personal circumstances, so the best way to know for sure is to speak with us. At Advice Centre Group, our team will assess your situation in confidence and explain your options clearly.
What Debts Can Be Included in an IVA?
- Debts you can usually include in Individual Voluntary Arrangement:
- Credit cards and store cards
- Council tax arrears
- Utility bill arrears
- Personal loans
- HMRC debts
- Vehicle or property shortfalls
- Overdrafts
- Debts you cannot usually include in Individual Voluntary Arrangement:
- Secured debts such as mortgages or car finance
- Ongoing rent or mortgage arrears
- Child maintenance arrears
We have supported 12,125+ individuals on their journey towards financial well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
An IVA is a legally binding arrangement made between you and your creditors to pay off your debts with a repayment plan that suits your circumstances.
Here, you’ll find all the information you need about IVAs, including how they work, their benefits, and important considerations.
We have supported 11,300+ individuals on their journey to financial well-being, and we can help you too.
Click Here For More Info
Applying for An IVA is not as hard as you may think, Our Specialist Teams are here to support you every step of the way – Contacting them doesn’t cost anything, speaking yo us costs you nothing, So why not see what we can do for you – Click here to find out
An IVA is A governemnt legislated product that was created to help people in debt, It provides a clear way of gettting out of debt with a definitive timeline, depending on your circumstances can be either 5 or 6 years. It aims to write off debt and provide you with security in knowing that creditors cannot contact you whilst in the plan and the debt being finished at the end of it.
Advice Centre Group Are Fully Regulated Practice We Do Not pass You Ono Anyone Else To Administer The IVA, Our In House Insolvency Practitioner Will Nominate and Supervise Your IVA And Our Team Will Support You Every Step Of The Way
See here how an iva works
Most IVAs are approved when someone has at least £6,500 of unsecured debt, but the right amount depends on your situation. What matters more is whether you have a steady income and can afford a regular payment. We can help you check if you qualify.
Not all debts are included. Most unsecured debts such as credit cards, loans, and overdrafts can be written off at the end, but things like mortgages, secured loans, and child maintenance cannot. Our team will go through your debts and explain exactly what can and cannot be included.
For most people, an IVA does not affect their job. However, if you work in certain regulated professions such as financial services, law, or accountancy, you may have to inform your employer. If you own your home, your equity might be taken into account, but most people are able to keep their property. (FCA – Consumer Credit and Insolvency)
If you are worried about your home or your job, we are a team who can help you understand how an IVA would affect your personal situation.If you’re considering an IVA, let us help you take the first step toward managing your debt.
Contact us today for tailored advice and find out if an IVA is right for you.
Most IVAs last for five to six years. Once you complete your agreed payments, any remaining unsecured debt included in the arrangement is written off. Knowing there is a fixed end date helps many people feel more in control. (GOV.UK – IVA)
If you want to know how long your arrangement might last, we can assess your finances and give you a clearer picture.
Contact us today for tailored advice and find out if an IVA is right for you.
Talk to an IVA Specialist Now:
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Call us – 0161 768 8403
Email us – Enquiries@advicecentregroup.co.uk
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Advice Centre Group Ltd registered in England and Wales (14322979). Registered office: Second Floor A, Cheadle Place, Cheadle, Cheshire, England, SK8 2JX.
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.
Adam Southard is licensed to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association. Office Holder No. 11930
Insolvency Practitioner Directory- Insolvency Practitioner Details (bis.gov.uk)
What you need to know about Individual Voluntary Arrangements
(Insolvency Service)
We provide solutions to individuals throughout the UK, We Will help recommend solutions available to your circumstances in which you can then make an informed decision about which solution you qualify for is best for you and your circumstances.