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

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?

Applying 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.

DPP proposal

If DAS is appropriate for your circumstances, the adviser will calculate an affordable monthly repayment amount and decide how long the plan should last. They then make a formal proposal to your creditors, who must either accept or reject within 21 days. If they don’t respond, it’s assumed that they agree the terms. It’s worth knowing that if a creditor doesn’t approve the proposal, the plan can be put through if the money adviser believes it to be fair and reasonable. Once the proposed DPP has been accepted, the interest and additional charges on your debts will be frozen as long as you abide by the DPP terms.

Before you apply for a DPP

One major aspect of entering into a debt payment plan is that you must have surplus income available each month to repay creditors. Your essential living expenses, such as mortgage, rent, heating and food bills will be taken into account, and the remainder divided between creditors at the agreed rate. You’ll also need to consider the potential duration of a DPP. It should be completed in a ‘reasonable’ timeframe, but your money adviser will be able to guide you on this. Scotland Debt Solutions has been working on behalf of Scottish residents in debt since 1989. Our expert team can provide more information on debt payment plans, and establish whether they represent the best option for you. Call us to arrange a free same-day meeting at one of four offices around Scotland.