Breathing Space
Imagine you're stuck in a leaking boat. Water is pouring in, you're exhausted, panicking, and feel like you're about to sink.Now imagine someone throws you a lifeline — they patch the holes, give you a moment to breathe, and let you rest while a support team comes to help fix the boat properly.That's what the Breathing Space scheme is. It doesn't magically erase your debt — but it stops the pressure. No calls from creditors, no new interest piling on, no court action. Breathing Space protects you while you seek debt advice and work towards a debt solution with a regulated debt adviser. It lasts for up to 60 days, and you can apply for it once every 12 months.For more information on how the government scheme works, click here, external.To find out more information, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and details for the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space scheme click here , externalto visit the StepChange website and here, external for the MoneyHelper website.To find a free regulated debt adviser, click here, external.To watch Laura's previous item on Individual Voluntary Arrangements and Debt Relief Orders, click on the below link to watch back on BBC iPlayer.
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