Could an IVA make you debt free in 60 months?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement could write off up to 80% of your unsecured debt. Millions of UK residents have already used an IVA to regain financial freedom.

Typical IVA Outcome

Total debt£24,000
Amount repaid£6,000
Potential debt written off £18,000

One affordable monthly payment — that's it

Consolidate all your unsecured debts into a single, manageable monthly payment based on what you can genuinely afford. Creditor calls stop immediately.

Creditor calls stop Legally protected from day one
One payment only Based on disposable income
Keep your home Unlike bankruptcy

The 5-step journey to becoming debt free

From your first free consultation to your final payment — we walk you through every step of the IVA process, so you always know what to expect.

Your IVA Journey

1
Free consultationReview your finances
2
IVA proposal draftedBy a licensed IP
3
Creditors vote75% must agree
4
Monthly payments begin60-month term
5
Debt free! Remaining debt written off

IVA vs Bankruptcy — know your options

An IVA protects your assets, keeps your employment, and offers more control than bankruptcy. Understand the difference before making any decisions.

80%
Of debt can be written off
60
Month typical term
£6k
Minimum debt required
75%
Creditor approval needed

Free, impartial information — no hidden fees

IVA Info is a free educational resource. We help you understand your options so you can make an informed choice. No pressure, no commission, no data selling.

Completely freeNo charges, ever
Impartial guidanceFCA-compliant content
No data sellingYour privacy matters
Advertisement

IVA Debt Calculator

Drag the sliders to see how an IVA could reduce your debt and monthly payments

Your Debt Details

Move the sliders to match your situation

Estimated IVA Outcome
Total debt £20,000
Monthly IVA payment £200/mo
Total repaid over 60 months £12,000
Estimated debt written off £8,000
IVA term 60 months

This is an illustrative estimate only. Actual figures depend on your full financial circumstances and require assessment by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner.

How an IVA Works

Five straightforward steps from struggling with debt to becoming debt free

1

Free Consultation

Speak with a licensed Insolvency Practitioner to review your income, debts and outgoings

2

IVA Proposal

A formal proposal is drafted outlining your monthly repayment based on what you can afford

3

Creditors Vote

75% of creditors (by value) must agree to the IVA terms — most do, as it's better than bankruptcy

4

Payments Begin

You make one affordable monthly payment for 60 months. Creditor contact stops immediately

5

Debt Free

At the end of your IVA, all remaining unsecured debt is legally written off. You're debt free

Read the Full Guide →

Why Choose an IVA?

An IVA offers legal protection and a structured route to becoming debt free

Legally Binding

Once approved, your IVA is legally binding on all creditors — they cannot chase you for payments outside the arrangement.

Keep Your Home

Unlike bankruptcy, an IVA does not automatically require you to sell your home — although equity may be considered.

Keep Your Job

Most employment contracts are unaffected by an IVA. Bankruptcy can restrict certain professional roles — an IVA usually does not.

Stop Creditor Calls

Once your IVA is accepted, creditors must stop contacting you directly. The stress of daily calls ends immediately.

Write Off Debt

After successfully completing your IVA, any remaining unsecured debt is legally written off — giving you a true fresh start.

Interest Frozen

Interest and charges on your unsecured debts are frozen when your IVA begins, so you know exactly what you owe.

80%
Of debt can be written off
60mo
Typical IVA duration
£6k+
Minimum qualifying debt
Free
Initial consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we're asked most often

What is an IVA? +
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal, legally binding agreement between you and your creditors to repay a portion of your unsecured debts over a fixed period — typically 5 years. At the end of the term, any remaining unsecured debt is written off.

Read the full detailed answer →
Am I eligible for an IVA? +
To be eligible for an IVA you generally need: unsecured debts of at least £6,000 (owed to two or more creditors), a regular income allowing you to make monthly payments, and to be a UK resident. You must not be subject to a current bankruptcy order.

Read the full detailed answer →
Will an IVA affect my credit score? +
Yes. An IVA will be recorded on your credit file and remain there for 6 years from the start date. This will affect your ability to obtain credit during this period. However, many people find that the IVA helps them rebuild their finances and, once completed, they can work towards improving their credit score.

Read the full detailed answer →
What debts can be included in an IVA? +
IVAs cover unsecured debts such as: credit cards, personal loans, store cards, overdrafts, payday loans, HMRC debts, and utility arrears. Secured debts (like mortgages or car finance), student loans, child maintenance, and court fines cannot be included.

Read the full detailed answer →
How much does an IVA cost? +
The fees for your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) are taken from your monthly payments — you do not pay them upfront. Fees are regulated and typically include a nominee's fee and supervisor's fee. These are agreed in advance and included in your IVA proposal.

Read the full detailed answer →
Advertisement

Am I Eligible for an IVA?

Check the basic eligibility criteria — it takes less than a minute

At least £6,000 in unsecured debt Owed to two or more creditors — credit cards, loans, overdrafts etc.
Regular income of some kind Employed, self-employed, or benefits — as long as you have disposable income
UK resident IVAs under the Insolvency Act 1986 apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Not currently bankrupt You must not have an active bankruptcy order in place
Able to make monthly payments Typically at least £80–£100 per month after essential living costs

Get Free Debt Advice

Not sure if you qualify? Fill in your details and we'll point you to free, regulated debt advice services.

By submitting you confirm you have read our Privacy Policy. We do not sell your data. This form links to free, FCA-regulated debt advice services.

Compliance & Trust

FCA Compliant Content
Insolvency Act 1986
GDPR Compliant
ICO Registered
EN/W/NIUK Information Only