- Standard Breathing Space
- 60 days of protection
- Mental health crisis version
- Lasts as long as treatment, plus 30 days
- Where it applies
- England and Wales
- How to apply
- Through a debt adviser, not by yourself
On this page
What is Breathing Space?
Breathing Space, officially the Debt Respite Scheme, is a government scheme that began in May 2021. It gives you a short period of legal protection from most creditor action while you work out how to deal with your debts. It applies in England and Wales. Scotland has its own process, covered in our Scottish debt solutions guide.
What it stops
- Creditors cannot charge interest, fees or penalties on the debts included.
- They cannot take enforcement action, including sending bailiffs, or start or continue court action.
- They cannot contact you to demand payment.
It does not cancel the debt. Once it ends, you still owe the money unless you take further steps.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
Who can use it?
You can use standard Breathing Space if you are in problem debt, live in England or Wales, and are not already in an insolvency solution, such as an IVA or bankruptcy. You can use it once in any 12 months, and you must speak to a debt adviser who decides whether you qualify.
Which debts are covered?
Most debts are included, such as credit cards, loans, overdrafts, buy now pay later, catalogue debts, utility arrears, rent arrears, council tax arrears and tax debts.
Not covered:
- Court fines, child maintenance, student loans and Universal Credit advances.
- Budgeting or crisis loans from the social fund.
- Debts from fraud, and damages for death or personal injury.
- Secured debts such as a mortgage, although any arrears on them can be included.
- Debts you take on after Breathing Space starts.
What you still have to do
You must keep paying your ongoing costs during Breathing Space, such as rent or mortgage, council tax, energy and water, and any debt payments not covered. If you stop, the protection can end. Do not take out new credit.
Mental health crisis Breathing Space
If you are receiving mental health crisis treatment, a longer version is available. It lasts for as long as your treatment, plus 30 days, and has no 60-day limit. It needs an approved mental health professional to confirm you are receiving crisis treatment, and can be applied for with the help of a debt adviser. You can use it more than once in 12 months. See our debt and mental health guide.
How to apply
- Contact a free debt adviser, such as StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice or MoneyHelper.
- The adviser checks your eligibility and debts.
- If you qualify, they register it, and your creditors are told.
- A review is carried out part-way through, and you can go on to a longer-term solution.
What happens afterwards?
Use the time to work out a plan. Depending on your situation, that could be a debt management plan, an IVA, a debt relief order, bankruptcy or a payment arrangement with creditors. If you do nothing, creditor action can resume when the 60 days end.
Frequently asked questions
Does Breathing Space stop bailiffs?
Yes. Enforcement action on included debts, including by bailiffs, has to stop. See our stop bailiffs guide.
Can I apply for Breathing Space myself?
No. A debt adviser has to apply for you. You can contact one for free.
Does Breathing Space affect my credit file?
It is not recorded on your credit file itself, though your accounts may be flagged by creditors. It is not a form of insolvency.
Can I use it more than once?
Standard Breathing Space can be used once every 12 months. Mental health crisis Breathing Space can be used more often.
Does it cover joint debts?
Joint debts can be included for the person who applies, but the other person is not protected unless they also apply.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.