How do I apply for a Debt Payment Programme (DPP)?

If you’re struggling to pay your unsecured debts, a debt payment programme could help you to regain control of the situation, and become financially stable again.

Debt payment programmes are a fundamental part of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) in Scotland, and allow you to repay over a longer period of time.

These programmes involve repayment of your debts in full, and are arranged by a DAS-approved money adviser or licensed insolvency practitioner. If you’re eligible, all interest and charges on your debts will be frozen, and you benefit from a respite from creditor pressure. So how do you apply for a debt payment programme, and what impact could it have on your debt situation?

How to apply for a debt payment plan?

If you’re a resident of Scotland, you owe more than one debt, and are able to repay the money from surplus income, a debt payment programme may be a suitable option. Initially, you’ll need to contact a money adviser approved by the Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB), to formally establish your eligibility. You can find a directory of approved DAS advisers on the Scotland’s Financial Health Service website, and also on the DAS Scotland website. Once you’ve made contact and arranged a meeting, you should gather together all your relevant financial documentation. This could include bank and credit card statements, personal loan agreements, and any other key information that could help the adviser establish your eligibility. It’s advisable to produce as much information on your financial situation as possible, as it’s possible that other options may be more suitable.