Debt Solutions
Debt Management Plan (DMP).
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is designed to make debt more manageable by rolling multiple debts into one affordable monthly payment. It’s not legally binding, but it can reduce creditor pressure and give you the breathing space you need to focus on your finances.
What is a DMP?
A Debt Management Plan is an informal agreement between you and your creditors for reduced monthly payments to make paying off your debt more manageable.
This can be arranged by yourself or via a debt management company.
If you have decided to use a Debt Management Plan provider, all unsecured debts such as credit card bills and personal loans can be included in one monthly payment. This is then distributed amongst the companies you owe money to.
DMP Knowledge Base
Getting started with a DMP
A Debt Management Plan involves negotiating with your creditors for reduced interest rates and lower monthly payments.
This can provide immediate debt relief by reducing the amount you need to pay each month which can make it easier to afford and stay on track with your debt repayment plan.
1
Financial Assessment
Before starting a debt management plan, your income and expenses will be assessed to ensure any proposed payment plan is affordable for you.
2
Creditor Negotiation
A debt management company will negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and propose reduced payments towards your unsecured debts. They will try to negotiate for the interest and charges to be frozen.
3
Monthly Payment Plan
You will make one consolidated payment each month to the DMP provider, who will then distribute it among your creditors.
4
Debt Repayment
You now make your reduced monthly payment towards your debts for the length of the DMP. You need to ensure you are making regular payments as agreed to avoid defaulting on the DMP.
It’s important to note that while a DMP can provide some financial relief, it will not eliminate or reduce the total amount owed. It also may take longer to pay off the debt as compared to other options like a debt consolidation loan.
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Debt Management Plan FAQs
Is a debt management plan a good idea?
If you are struggling to afford your minimum monthly payments and are at risk of falling behind, a DMP may be able to provide immediate relief with reduced payments.
However, it’s not suitable for everyone and there may be other options available that can provide a quicker solution to your debt problems such as a debt consolidation loan or Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). It’s best to speak to a professional about all of your options before deciding on the best course of action for you.
Remember, a DMP will not reduce the total amount owed but only lower monthly payments until the full amount is repaid. It also has a negative impact on your credit file so it needs careful consideration before entering into one.
How much debt do you need for a DMP?
There’s no strict legal minimum to start a Debt Management Plan, but in practice they’re most suitable if you have at least £2,000 of unsecured debt spread across multiple creditors.
A DMP is designed for people who can’t keep up with their minimum payments but still have some disposable income available each month. If your debts are smaller or your budget is very tight, other solutions such as a Debt Relief Order (DRO) may be more appropriate.
Is debt management right for me?
If you have a debt problem and are unsure whether a debt management plan is right for you, it’s best to speak with a professional debt advisor.
It is important you are fully aware of all the options available to you. Debt advisors can assess your financial situation fully and give debt advice on the best option for you.
This could be a DMP or other debt solutions such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) or Debt Relief Orders (DRO).
How to apply for a debt management plan
If you do not wish to arrange the debt management plan on your own, a debt management plan provider can negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
To be able to negotiate and set up a plan on your behalf, the DMP provider must have the necessary licence permissions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Will my debt management plan be accepted?
It is not guaranteed that your creditors will accept the plan as they are not obligated to do so.
However, reputable DMP providers who negotiate with creditors on your behalf often have good success rates in getting plans accepted.
How long do debt management plans last?
A DMP will last for as long as it takes for you to pay back your debts in full.
This will all depend on your debt level, repayment amount and whether creditors agreed to freeze interest and charges.
Can I still have a bank account with a debt management plan?
Yes, you can still have a bank account and manage your finances while in a DMP.
What happens if I miss a payment on a debt management plan?
If you miss a payment, it is important to inform your DMP provider immediately.
Your creditors may start contacting you for missed payments and it’s important that your DMP provider can liaise with them on your behalf to ensure the plan stays in place.
Are my interest and charges frozen on a debt management plan?
In some circumstances, creditors will agree to freeze interest and charges.
However, this is not guaranteed as creditors do not have to do so as they do with other debt solutions such as an IVA.
Can I get a mortgage on a debt management plan?
A debt management plan doesn’t stop you from obtaining a mortgage. It does however make it more difficult, due to the impact it has on your credit file.
Can my partner and I enter a joint debt management plan?
Yes a joint DMP can be obtained for you and your partner.
It works in the exact same way, with one payment made each month to cover all of your creditors.
Can I change my DMP repayment amounts?
If you are struggling to make the agreed-upon payments, your DMP provider can renegotiate with creditors on your behalf to try and lower the payments.
This works in the same way if your financial circumstances have improved, you may be able to increase the amount you pay in your regular repayments to become debt free in a quicker period.
Can I still use my credit cards on a debt management plan?
No, you cannot use your credit cards while on a DMP. Most creditors will ask that they are cut up and not used while in the plan.
Are Debt Management Plans Legally Binding?
A debt management plan is not legally binding, and therefore does not give you the legal protection an IVA does.
