UK Govt opens Debt Relief order application: £500,000 Refunds available – Are you Eligible

UK Govt opens Debt Relief order application: If you made a payment for a Debt Relief Order (DRO) but never finished the application, you might be owed money. The Insolvency Service is trying to return refunds to around 4,000 people who paid towards a DRO before April 2024 but didn’t submit the full application.

This situation affects many people who started the DRO process but didn’t complete it for some reason. If you are one of them, this article will help you understand how to get your money back quickly and safely.

Key Highlights:

• Almost 4,000 people are still due a refund for debt relief order applications they paid for but did not submit 
• The Insolvency Service has written to those due a refund and £65,000 has already been reimbursed since March.
• Refunds worth a total of £500,000 are still available going back to 2016 for those who did not finish the application process 

Why Is There a Refund?

Before April 2024, applying for a DRO meant paying a £90 fee. You could pay it all at once or in parts. However, many people made payments and never completed their application.

In April 2024, the UK Government removed this £90 fee to help people access debt relief more easily. Since then, the Insolvency Service has been working to return unclaimed money to those who never finished their DRO applications.

There’s still £500,000 left to return, and about 4,000 people haven’t claimed their refund yet.

What’s Happening Now?

So far, around 5,000 letters have been sent to people who may be due a refund. Only 1,000 have responded. Around £65,000 has already been refunded since March 2025. More letters will be sent out soon.

But not everyone has received their letter—some may have changed phone numbers, email IDs, or moved houses. That’s why the Insolvency Service is asking people to come forward if they think they might be owed money.

Who Can Claim a DRO Refund?

You can claim a refund if:

• You made a payment towards a Debt Relief Order (DRO)
• But you did not finish or submit the application

Even if a charity or someone else paid for you, the refund can still be claimed. You’ll just need to give those details in your request.

How to Request Your Refund

If you think you’re eligible for a refund, simply email:
[email protected]

In your email, include the following:

• Your name
• Your current address and phone number
• Your DRO application number (if known)
• Bank details: Name of bank/building society, account name, 8-digit account number, 6-digit sort code, and roll number if it’s a building society
• If someone else or a charity paid on your behalf, mention their details
• If you’ve moved or changed your name, include your old details too

Want a cheque instead? Just say that in the email.

You can also send a letter to:
The Insolvency Service DRO Team, C/O Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB

Why Is This Important?

Many people may have forgotten about the money they paid or may not know they can get it back. The Insolvency Service is making it easy for people to claim this refund and get back what they’re owed. But they need your help. They can’t return your money unless you reach out.

All refund claims will be carefully checked to stop fraud, so make sure your details are correct.

If you started a Debt Relief Order application but didn’t complete it, don’t let your money go to waste. The UK Government no longer charges a fee for DROs, and the Insolvency Service is actively returning old payments made as far back as 2016. If you’re owed money, act now. Contact them by email or post and claim your refund with the required information.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/refunds-still-available-for-4000-people-who-didnt-submit-their-debt-relief-order-application

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