I’ve received a debt letter — what does it mean?
Pick the letter you have been sent. We explain it in plain English, work out your deadline from the date on it, and show you exactly what to do next.
Why you should never ignore a debt letter
The letters that matter most — a court claim form, a statutory demand, a notice of enforcement, a possession claim — have deadlines that keep running whether or not you open the envelope. Missing a 14-day court deadline means judgment by default; missing an 18-day window can mean losing the chance to challenge a statutory demand. Most of the others can be dealt with by a letter of your own, sent in time.
How the deadlines are worked out
Deadlines run from the date shown on, or the date of service of, the document — not from when you got round to reading it. The checker uses the rules for England and Wales: 14 days to respond to a County Court claim (28 if you acknowledge it), 30 days to reply to a letter of claim under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, at least 14 days to remedy a Consumer Credit Act default notice, 18 days to apply to set aside a statutory demand, 7 days after a council tax reminder, and at least 14 clear days before an enforcement agent can visit after a notice of enforcement issued from 1 May 2026. Always check the date printed on your own paperwork, and in Scotland or Northern Ireland get local advice, because court procedures differ.
Got several letters? Put every deadline in one place with the deadline planner.
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
How long do I have to respond to a County Court claim?
14 days from the date of service, or 28 days if you file an acknowledgement of service within those 14 days. If you do nothing, the creditor can ask for judgment by default.
What is the difference between a default notice and a CCJ?
A default notice is a warning from the lender under the Consumer Credit Act, giving at least 14 days to pay the arrears. A County Court Judgment is a court order that comes much later, after a claim has been issued and not defended or paid.
Is a statutory demand the same as bankruptcy?
No. It is a formal demand that can lead to a bankruptcy petition if it is not paid or dealt with. You have 18 days to apply to set it aside, and after 21 days a creditor owed at least £5,000 can apply to make you bankrupt.