What is DAS and how can it help?

DAS was introduced by the Scottish government to help people make their unmanageable debt repayments affordable again.

It works by reducing the amount you pay towards your unsecured debts each month, ensuring you have enough left over for your other living costs. If accepted, all interest and charges will be frozen, so more of your payment goes towards reducing your debt. Your new repayment plan is known as a Debt Payment Programme (DPP).

A DPP is legally binding, so once it has been agreed your lenders won't be able to take further action. Of course, this also means you're legally obliged to keep making payments.

How can I apply for DAS?

You can only apply for DAS through an approved Money Adviser, such as Debt Advice Now. Call us on 0800 195 2714 and we'll help you with your application.

Alternatively, you can fill in the callback form at the top of this page and one of our expert debt advisers will get back to you.

How long will it last?

Your Debt Payment Programme will take as long as it needs to, as long as your lenders agree with it. It will normally carry on until you've repaid your unsecured debts in full, or it could end earlier if your circumstances improve enough for you to start making full payments again.

How much will I pay each month?

You'll be expected to pay as much as you realistically can, but only once you've taken care of your other living costs, such as bills, food and essential travel. This ensures all your costs are covered, so you shouldn't fall behind on anything important. Note that the first payment you make will cover the cost of setting up your DPP: it won't go towards your debts, so you'll temporarily go (further) into arrears.

Do I qualify for DAS?

There are a few criteria you must meet to qualify. First of all, you must be a resident of Scotland. You must also have unsecured debt repayments that you can't afford, but you must be able to repay those debts in full within a reasonable period of time by making smaller monthly payments.

Your lenders aren't obliged to accept your application even if you meet these criteria, but there's a good chance they will if you genuinely can't afford your existing repayments.

In some cases, where it's clear there is no better way for you to repay what you owe, the Accountant in Bankruptcy (the DAS Administrator) may approve your case even if your lenders have rejected it.

What are the downsides of DAS?

Like many debt solutions, a Debt Payment Programme under the Debt Arrangement Scheme will have an impact on your credit rating. It will also be recorded on the DAS register for six years, which may also affect your chances of obtaining further credit.

But remember that not getting the help you need could have even more serious consequences, so don't try to tackle your debts alone.