Breathing Space, also called the Debt Respite Scheme, is a government scheme which is designed to help relieve some of the pressure and stress caused by being in debt.
Breathing Space, launched by the Government on 4th May 2021, is a debt respite scheme aimed to help around 700,000 people this year who are struggling with problem debt.
It provides protections for people living in England and Wales who are in debt including pausing enforcement action/contact from creditors and freezing interest & charges on their debts.
These protections will give customers 60 days to get their finances back on track without debts piling up, worrying letters or enforcement action from creditors and the opportunity to access professional debt advice. Further details are available from GOV.UK.
You can apply for Breathing Space by contacting a professional debt advisor.
For someone in mental health crisis treatment, an approved mental health professional can certify they are receiving treatment and then a debt advice provider can consider whether they are eligible for the scheme.
Full details of the Breathing Space scheme including what it covers, how to apply, what happens during and after the Breathing Space period plus frequently asked questions can be found at the following links:
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