Overview
If you live in Scotland and can repay debts over time but cannot manage the existing payments, the Debt Arrangement Scheme may be an option. It combines an assessed payment programme with legal protection for the debts covered.
The scheme is administered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, usually shortened to AiB. Despite that organisation's name, entering DAS is not the same as becoming bankrupt.
Quick Answer (Read This First)
DAS lets eligible people in Scotland repay debts through a debt payment programme, or DPP, arranged through a DAS-approved money adviser. Payments are based on what remains after essential living costs, and the proposed repayment period must be reasonable. Scottish Government: how DAS works.
It differs from an informal debt management plan because statutory protections apply. You should compare the complete options with an approved adviser before committing to a programme.
Check Whether the Basic Conditions Fit
The Scottish Government says an applicant must live in Scotland, owe money to at least one creditor, have disposable income and be able to repay in a reasonable time. There is no general minimum debt amount in that eligibility summary. Other circumstances can affect eligibility and need assessment. Who can apply for DAS.
“Disposable income” means money available after reasonable essential expenditure. It is not simply the amount in your bank account on payday before rent, food and bills leave.
Bring income evidence, debt balances, statements and details of irregular costs to the appointment. If a proposed payment only works by leaving out annual insurance or necessary travel, the budget needs another look.
Understand the Repayment Period
An adviser uses the Common Financial Tool to assess the budget. The amount owed and sustainable payment then help determine the proposed duration. A programme is intended to repay the included debts, rather than automatically write off a fixed percentage of their principal.
For illustration, £12,600 divided by £210 a month is 60 monthly payments. At £150 a month, it is 84 payments. Those simple figures assume the same included balance throughout and no changes or interruptions; they are not an eligibility decision.
The example shows why a small monthly difference can alter the length substantially. Discuss predictable changes, such as retirement or the end of a temporary income source, before agreeing a payment based on today's budget.
Separate Frozen Charges From Written-Off Charges
AiB's guidance says interest, fees and charges on included debts are frozen from the DPP application date. If the programme is approved and completed, those frozen amounts are written off.
If the application is rejected, or an approved programme is not completed, those amounts can be added back and enforcement can resume subject to the applicable rules. Completion therefore matters to the final treatment of charges. AiB: money-adviser guidance.
Ask the adviser to distinguish existing arrears from bills that continue to fall due. Protection for included debts does not mean that rent, energy use or other new living costs stop needing to be paid.
Apply Through an Approved Adviser
Not every debt adviser is DAS approved. Confirm that status when making contact, and ask for a comparison with other Scottish solutions as part of the assessment.
The adviser sends the proposal to AiB and creditors. The Scottish Government's process gives creditors three weeks to respond. If some disagree, AiB can still decide whether to approve the programme; a single objection is not automatically the final decision.
After approval, you receive confirmation of the terms and payment arrangements. The first payment must be made within 42 days of approval, and the programme is added to the DAS register. Scottish Government: applying for DAS.
Keep the approval and payment instructions. Do not assume that an initial advice appointment or an informal promise to apply has already started every protection.
Compare DAS With an Informal DMP
| Point | DAS debt payment programme | Informal debt management plan |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Scottish statutory scheme | Informal arrangements with creditors |
| Access | Through a DAS-approved adviser | Through a provider or direct arrangements |
| Creditor protection | Legal protection applies under the scheme's rules | Creditors do not have to provide equivalent protection |
| Charges | Frozen charges are written off on successful completion | Freezes depend on creditor agreement |
Citizens Advice Scotland explains that setting up an individual DPP is free and that debtors do not pay an administration fee for running it. It also describes possible variations and payment breaks when circumstances change. Citizens Advice Scotland: DAS.
Tell the adviser promptly if your income drops or a necessary cost rises. Ask whether a variation or permitted break is appropriate; do not simply stop payments and assume the existing programme adjusts itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read about informal debt management plans and UK repayment systems, or browse the debt category. This is general information about Scotland; sources were checked on 9 September 2026.
