Debt solutions
Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)
The Debt Arrangement Scheme, also known as the DAS, is a structured payment plan for people in Scotland struggling with unsecured debt. You repay what you owe in full through one affordable monthly payment, with interest and charges frozen.
- Single monthly payment based on what you can afford
- Interest, fees and charges frozen, then waived on completion
- Legal protection from creditor action
- Only available to residents in Scotland
A DAS may not be suitable in all circumstances. It will affect your credit rating and may impact access to credit.
The DAS at a glance
- One monthly payment
- Based on what you can afford
- Government-backed
- Run by the Accountant in Bankruptcy
- Interest frozen and waived
- Waived when you complete
- Not a form of insolvency
- You repay everything you borrowed
The details
Everything you need to know
The DAS is a statutory debt solution available only in Scotland, run by the Accountant in Bankruptcy on behalf of the Scottish Government. Through the scheme you set up a Debt Payment Programme, or DPP, which lets you repay your debts in full at a rate you can genuinely afford.
Once your DPP is approved, interest, fees and charges on the debts included are frozen, during the programme. Creditors bound by the arrangement cannot take legal action against you, and your home is not at risk because of the DPP itself.
Not a form of insolvency. Unlike a trust deed or sequestration, you repay everything you borrowed, just over a longer period.
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Free initial chat
A confidential conversation with an advisor to understand your situation. No pressure, no obligation.
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Review your options
We explain every debt solution you qualify for, not just the DAS, so you can make an informed choice.
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Apply for your DPP
A DPP must be set up through an approved money advisor, who works out what you can afford and submits your application. Creditors can object, but the DAS Administrator can still approve a programme that is fair and reasonable.
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Make your payments
You pay one monthly amount until your debts are repaid in full. Payments are distributed to your creditors for you.
The DAS could be an option if you:
- Live in Scotland
- Have one or more debts and can commit to a regular monthly payment
- Can repay your debts in full within a reasonable time
- Have some money left over after essential living costs
There is no minimum or maximum debt level. An advisor will confirm whether the DAS is the most suitable option for you.
Fees and costs
Initial advice is free, and you pay nothing extra to be in the scheme. Administration costs are deducted from the payments made to creditors, not added to what you owe. That means every pound you pay in goes towards clearing your debts.
A DAS may not be suitable in all circumstances. A DPP must be set up through an approved money adviser.
Weighing it up
Is the DAS right for you?
Advantages
- One affordable monthly payment with no extra cost to you
- Interest, fees and charges frozen
- Legal protection from creditors bound by the programme
- Your home is not at risk because of the DPP
- Payment breaks of up to six months if your circumstances change
Things to consider
- You repay your debts in full, so no debt is written off
- Repaying at an affordable rate usually means it takes longer
- It will affect your credit rating and access to credit
- Your DPP is recorded on the public DAS Register
- If your DPP is revoked, creditors can add backdated interest and take action
Frequently asked questions
Will the DAS affect my credit score?
Yes, it is likely to. Repaying less than your contracts require is usually recorded on your credit file, and your DPP appears on the public DAS Register. An advisor will explain the impact before you decide.
How long does a DPP last?
There is no fixed term. It depends on how much you owe and what you can afford each month. It must simply be a reasonable length of time to repay your debts in full.
Which debts can be included?
Most debts, including credit cards, loans, overdrafts, council tax arrears and other household arrears. Secured debts, such as your mortgage, can't be included.
What if my circumstances change?
Your DPP can be varied if your income changes, and you can apply for a payment break of up to six months in certain situations, such as job loss, illness or a relationship breakdown.
Can I get free debt advice elsewhere?
Yes. Free, impartial debt advice is available from charities and organisations listed at MoneyHelper.org.uk.
Have a different question? Get in touch. We are happy to help.
Take the first step today
A confidential chat with an advisor costs nothing and could show you options you did not know you had.
A DAS may not be suitable in all circumstances. A DPP must be set up through an approved money adviser. It will affect your credit rating and may impact access to credit. Free debt advice is available at MoneyHelper.