Breathing space is a government scheme that protects people from creditors taking enforcement action or contacting you for payments for 60 days. This is designed for people who are in the process of seeking debt advice or a solution to problem debt.

One of the key benefits is that interest rates and fees on your debt will be frozen for the 60 days so that your debt does not continue to rise while you look into your options. It’s important to know that once the breathing space is over, your lenders are able to resume the recovery of your debt.

To apply for Breathing Space, you need to first talk to a debt adviser like StepChange or PayPlan. Other debt advice organisations you can talk to can be found here.

Once you have discussed your situation with the debt adviser, they will submit an application for Breathing Space on your behalf if they think this is the right option for you.