Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)
What Is A Debt Arrangement Scheme?
What Is A Debt Arrangement Scheme?
A Debt Arrangement Scheme, or ‘DAS’, is a formal debt management scheme established by the Scottish government. This scheme lets you apply for a Debt Payment Programme, or ‘DPP’, which allows you to repay your debts in one affordable payment each month over a longer period of time.
Criteria
Only residents of Scotland can apply for a DAS. There is no limit on the level of debt or the repayment term of a DPP. You must apply through a DAS-approved money advisor, and you must have enough disposable income left to be able to afford a regular and sustainable monthly DPP payment.
Advantages and Benefits
- The DAS offers you legal protection from your included creditors.
- Your assets are generally not included.
- The payments you make are based on your income and expenditure, so should always be affordable to you.
- Interest and charges on included debts will be frozen.
- Creditors cannot legally chase for additional payments towards included debts.
Disadvantages and Potential Consequences
- You must go through a Money Advisor to apply.
- You must pay a monthly fee to your Payment Distributor.
- Your credit file will be affected for 6 years and your ability to obtain credit may be limited.
- You can only make one application a year, so if your application is rejected, you will have to find an alternative solution or wait 12 months before reapplying.
- Some money advisors may charge a setup fee, while others do not. 10% of your monthly payments are also taken as fees as standard – 8% by your chosen payments distributor and 2% by the Accountant in Bankruptcy.