Debt management plans
If you’re struggling to meet repayments on money you owe, you could consider setting up a debt management plan. Check if it’s the right option for you and do some research to find the best provider to set up and run your plan.
An agreement between you and your creditors
A debt management plan is an agreement between you and your creditors (the businesses you owe money to) to make a set monthly payment.
The plans are managed by companies known as debt management plan operators or providers. They will negotiate with your creditors and manage the payments for you.
Your monthly payment is based on how much you can afford to pay. This payment is then distributed fairly between all your creditors.
Starting a debt management plan means you are making a new promise to repay your debts in full.
Setting up a debt management plan
When your debt management plan is being set up, your creditors will sometimes agree to freeze any interest charges.
However, they don’t have to agree to this and they don’t have to agree to your plan at all. If they don’t, they can also continue to contact you, ask for payment or even take you to court.
Debt management plans can only be used to pay unsecured debts. For example, money you owe that hasn’t been guaranteed against your property.
Some companies will charge you a fee for debt management plans while others give their services for free. Organisations like the StepChange Debt Charity offer free debt management plans.
Get advice before setting up a plan with a provider.
Advantages of debt management plans
Advantages for you include:
- making one regular monthly payment allows you better control over your finances
- your creditors may agree to freeze interest and charges on your debt and may stop other action like taking you to court (although they don’t have to)
- peace of mind – in many cases, you will no longer be contacted by your creditors or debt collectors
- if you finish the plan, your unsecured debts will be cleared
Disadvantages of debt management plans
Disadvantages for you include:
- your debts must be repaid in full – they will not be written off
- creditors don’t have to enter into a debt management plan and may still contact you asking for immediate repayment
- mortgages and other secured debts are not covered by a debt management plan
Affording a debt management plan
You can only enter into a debt management plan if you have some money left over every month once all your essential expenses have been paid.
It’s a good idea to draw up a budget, including your monthly income and all your essential monthly household expenses. For example, your mortgage, rent, utility bills and any hire purchase payments.
If you have a very small amount left over after all these have been paid– or nothing at all– you should consider other ways to manage your debts.
Choosing your debt management plan provider
When choosing a debt management plan provider, you should make sure that:
- the provider is licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - Search the Financial Services Register
- the provider discusses all the possible options available to you to deal with your debt problem
- you’re told clearly at the start how much it will cost to arrange the plan and who will pay that cost
- you understand what will happen if the provider stops running the plan for you because you’ve missed payments
- you’ve checked with other providers to make sure you’re getting a good deal
Check the terms of your plan
Before starting a plan, the operator should make clear to you the terms and conditions, including:
- how much money you’ll be expected to pay each month and for how long
- the reasons the provider might stop operating the plan for you, for example, if you don’t make the required monthly payments
Get free advice about your debt
Setting up a debt management plan is an important financial commitment. Get advice to make sure it’s right for you.
You can get free and independent advice on debt management plans – or any kind of debt problems– from organisations like Advice NI.