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Debt Action Plan: your next steps, in the right order

Most debt problems get worse because things are tackled in the wrong order. Put in your budget and debts and get a plan that puts the dangerous debts first and turns everything else into fair, affordable offers.

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction United KingdomEditorial policy

1. Your monthly budget

Need more detail? The budget calculator breaks every heading down.

2. Who you owe

For your letters (optional)

Saved on this device only, so you can come back to it.

3. Your plan

What your plan covers

  1. Priority debts first — what to do about rent, mortgage, council tax, energy, fines and tax arrears, with the guide for each.
  2. Fair offers to everyone else — a pro rata share of what you can afford, or token payments if nothing is left.
  3. Protection while you sort it out — holding action for 30 days, freezing interest, and the deadlines that must never be missed.
  4. Free advice — where to get it, and the formal options an adviser can explain if repayment is not realistic.

When a plan is not enough

If your plan shows a shortfall, if you have a court claim, a statutory demand or a notice of enforcement, or if your debts would take many years to repay, speak to a free debt adviser. They can check for income you may be missing and explain solutions such as a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order or IVA, including their risks.

Not sure what you owe? Start with Find My Debts and send what you find straight into this plan. Everything you save also appears in My Debt File.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

What is a debt action plan?

A written order of next steps: which debts to deal with first because the consequences are most serious, what to offer every other creditor, and what to do to protect yourself while you sort it out.

Is the Debt Action Plan debt advice?

No. It organises the information you enter and applies the standard priority-first, pro rata approach. Free, regulated debt advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice.

Can I come back and update my plan?

Yes. What you enter is saved on your device only, so you can return and change it whenever your income or costs change. You can clear it at any time.

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