Every article on IVA.tv answers a real question someone in debt has asked us. Use the categories below to jump straight to the topic that fits, or browse the full list at the bottom of the page. SourcesSources checked for this guide
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Free IVA & debt-help articles
Plain-English guides covering every angle of an IVA — eligibility, costs, debts included, the application process, life during an IVA, and the alternatives.
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IVA decision guides
The high-intent guides to read before choosing a provider or starting an IVA application.
Decision guide
Apply for an IVA
Apply for an IVA safely: check if you qualify, what documents you need, how creditor voting works, and the risks before you sign.
Read guide →Decision guide
How much does an IVA cost?
How much does an IVA cost? See illustrative monthly payments, Insolvency Practitioner fees and the factors that change the final outcome.
Read guide →Decision guide
IVA companies
Compare IVA companies safely: check the licensed Insolvency Practitioner, fees, suitability checks, warning signs and questions to ask.
Read guide →Decision guide
IVA pros and cons
IVA pros and cons explained: debt write-off, legal protection, fees, credit-file impact, public register, failure risk and alternatives.
Read guide →Decision guide
Write off council tax debt
Can council tax debt be written off? See when arrears can go into an IVA, DRO or bankruptcy, and what to do before bailiff fees grow.
Read guide →
Topic
IVA & money
Bank accounts, credit cards, loans, mobile contracts and the rest of your day-to-day finances during and after an IVA.
IVA & money
Can I get a loan to pay off IVA?
A loan may be used to settle an IVA early, but approval and affordability depend on your circumstances. Compare terms and seek debt advice …
Read article →IVA & money
Can IVA freeze your bank account?
An IVA does not freeze your bank account, but missed payments or broken terms can cause it to fail. Contact your insolvency practitioner …
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How badly does an IVA affect credit rating?
An IVA can reduce your credit rating and affect access to borrowing. Learn what influences the impact and steps that may help rebuild …
Read article →IVA & money
Can you rebuild credit after an IVA?
It is possible to rebuild your credit after an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), but it may take some time and effort.
Read article →IVA & money
Can I use a credit card while in an IVA?
Using a credit card during an IVA can breach its terms or make payments harder. Ask your insolvency practitioner before taking on more …
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Can I get a mobile phone contract with an IVA?
It may be more difficult to obtain a mobile phone contract with an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).
Read article →IVA & money
Can I get monthly car insurance with an IVA?
Monthly car insurance may be harder or more expensive during an IVA because insurers can consider credit history. Compare quotes from …
Read article →IVA & money
Can an IVA check my bank account?
Your IVA provider may request bank statements, income details and account balances to review your budget, but does not have open access to …
Read article →IVA & money
Can I still spend money with an IVA?
You can still spend during an IVA, but your agreed budget must cover essential living costs and IVA payments. Discuss changes with your …
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Topic
Eligibility & application
Who qualifies, how to apply, what gets accepted and what gets rejected.
Eligibility & application
Apply for an IVA
Apply for an IVA safely: check if you qualify, what documents you need, how creditor voting works, and the risks before you sign.
Read article →Eligibility & application
How do I apply for an IVA?
Learn how to apply for an IVA: debt advice, affordability checks, Insolvency Practitioner proposal, creditor vote and approval.
Read article →Eligibility & application
How many payment breaks can you have in an IVA?
The number of payment breaks you can have in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) will depend on the terms of the IVA.
Read article →Eligibility & application
Do I have to include everything in an IVA?
An IVA normally requires full disclosure of unsecured debts. Learn which debts may be included, what can remain outside and why accuracy …
Read article →Eligibility & application
Does everyone get accepted for an IVA?
Not everyone is accepted for an IVA. Learn the income, debt, affordability, creditor-vote and suitability checks used before approval.
Read article →Eligibility & application
Do IVAs get rejected?
IVAs can be rejected if payments are unaffordable, the proposal is unsuitable, creditor returns are weak or another debt option fits better.
Read article →Eligibility & application
How do you qualify for debt relief?
Debt relief eligibility depends on income, assets, debt level and location. Compare IVA, DRO, DMP and bankruptcy routes before applying.
Read article →Eligibility & application
What is the best debt charity?
Compare UK debt charities and free advice routes, including MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, National Debtline, StepChange and PayPlan.
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Topic
Credit, home & life after an IVA
Effects on your credit file, your home, and rebuilding once the IVA is complete.
Credit, home & life after an IVA
Can I keep an IVA secret?
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement that is typically made public through the Insolvency Register.
Read article →Credit, home & life after an IVA
Can you be scammed with an IVA?
IVA scams and poor advice can happen. Learn the warning signs, how to check an Insolvency Practitioner and what to ask before signing.
Read article →Credit, home & life after an IVA
Can you buy a house after an IVA?
You can buy a house after an IVA, but mortgage approval may be harder and rates may be higher. A broker can explain options for your …
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Topic
Debt collectors & bailiffs
What collectors and bailiffs can and cannot do, and how an IVA stops their action.
Debt collectors & bailiffs
How do I stop debt collectors chasing me?
How to stop debt collectors chasing you in the UK: request proof, set contact rules, check limitation, complain if needed, and compare …
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Do HMRC use Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited?
It is possible that HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) may use Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited to collect unpaid taxes.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Who do Moorcroft Group collect for?
Moorcroft Group collects unpaid debts for clients including banks, credit card companies, utility providers and local authorities.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Can you stop a bailiff eviction?
Stopping a bailiff eviction may involve paying the debt, negotiating a plan, getting urgent advice or asking a county court to review the …
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
How do I stop bailiff action?
Ways to stop bailiff action can include paying the debt, agreeing an affordable payment plan, seeking debt advice or challenging unlawful …
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
How many times can a bailiff visit in a day in the UK?
Bailiffs are not allowed to visit your home at unreasonable times, such as late at night or early in the morning.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Can bailiffs legally enter your home in the UK?
In the UK, bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are authorized to collect debts on behalf of creditors.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Do police turn up with bailiffs?
Police do not usually accompany bailiffs for debt collection, but may attend to prevent a breach of the peace or deal with obstruction.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Will bailiffs give up?
Bailiffs in the UK, also known as enforcement agents, are authorized to collect debts on behalf of creditors.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Do debt collectors give up?
Debt collectors may stop chasing if a debt is uneconomic, disputed, statute-barred or included in a formal solution. Know your rights first.
Read article →Debt collectors & bailiffs
Who are Moorcroft Debt Recovery?
Moorcroft Debt Recovery is a UK-based debt recovery company that provides debt collection and recovery services to businesses and …
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Topic
Alternatives & write-off
Debt Relief Orders, Debt Management Plans, bankruptcy and outright write-off — when each one fits.
Alternatives & write-off
Write off council tax debt
Can council tax debt be written off? See when arrears can go into an IVA, DRO or bankruptcy, and what to do before bailiff fees grow.
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
What happens if you can't afford an IVA?
If you cannot afford IVA payments, contact your insolvency practitioner promptly. They may consider a payment change, break or other debt …
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
Who pays the fees in an IVA?
In an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), the fees are typically paid from the monthly payments that you make towards your debts.
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
How long does an IVA take to pay off?
An IVA commonly lasts around five years, although the term depends on your agreement, budget and debt. Completing the agreed payments is …
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
What can I do instead of an IVA?
Compare IVA alternatives including Debt Management Plans, Debt Relief Orders, bankruptcy, Breathing Space and informal repayment plans.
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
How long can I be chased for a debt?
Learn how long creditors and debt collectors can chase UK debts, including limitation periods, acknowledgements and court action.
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
What happens at the end of a debt relief order?
At the end of a DRO, included debts are usually written off if your circumstances have not improved. Learn what changes and what remains.
Read article →Alternatives & write-off
Can debt be written off?
Debt can sometimes be written off through an IVA, DRO, bankruptcy or settlement. Learn which options apply and what to check first.
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Topic
What an IVA is
The basics — what an IVA actually is, how long it lasts, what it does to your debts, and whether it's worth it.
What an IVA is
Is an IVA worth it?
An IVA may be worth it if debts are unaffordable and you have regular income. Compare the benefits, risks and alternatives first.
Read article →What an IVA is
What are the disadvantages of IVA?
Understand the main IVA disadvantages: credit-file impact, payment failure, fees, spending limits, home equity and creditor approval.
Read article →What an IVA is
Is an IVA a good idea?
An IVA can be a good idea when unsecured debts are unaffordable, but it has risks. Compare suitability, costs and alternatives first.
Read article →What an IVA is
What is the downside to an IVA?
The downside to an IVA can include credit damage, strict payments, public register entry and possible failure if your budget changes.
Read article →What an IVA is
What does IVA stand for?
IVA means Individual Voluntary Arrangement. Learn how IVAs work, who manages them, how long they last and when they may help.
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Topic
More articles
Other guides on UK debt and IVA topics.
More
IVA companies
Compare IVA companies safely: check the licensed Insolvency Practitioner, fees, suitability checks, warning signs and questions to ask.
Read article →More
IVA pros and cons
IVA pros and cons explained: debt write-off, legal protection, fees, credit-file impact, public register, failure risk and alternatives.
Read article →More
Is an IVA better than a debt management plan?
Compare an IVA with a Debt Management Plan: legal protection, monthly payments, credit-file impact, fees and debt write-off.
Read article →More
How much is an IVA per month?
IVA payments are based on spare income after essential costs. Learn how budgets, creditors, reviews and alternatives affect the figure.
Read article →More
Will HMRC accept an IVA?
HMRC, also known as the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, is a government agency in the UK responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing …
Read article →More
How do you pay off debt aggressively?
Pay debt faster by budgeting, prioritising high-interest balances and paying more than the minimum. Consider consolidation or a managed …
Read article →More
How can I get rid of debt immediately?
There is rarely an instant debt fix. Compare urgent steps, repayment plans, Breathing Space, IVA, DRO and bankruptcy options.
Read article →More
How much does an IVA cost?
How much does an IVA cost? See illustrative monthly payments, Insolvency Practitioner fees and the factors that change the final outcome.
Read article →
A–Z
Every IVA.tv article
52 articles, alphabetical.
- Apply for an IVA
- Can an IVA check my bank account?
- Can bailiffs legally enter your home in the UK?
- Can debt be written off?
- Can I get a loan to pay off IVA?
- Can I get a mobile phone contract with an IVA?
- Can I get monthly car insurance with an IVA?
- Can I keep an IVA secret?
- Can I still spend money with an IVA?
- Can I use a credit card while in an IVA?
- Can IVA freeze your bank account?
- Can you be scammed with an IVA?
- Can you buy a house after an IVA?
- Can you rebuild credit after an IVA?
- Can you stop a bailiff eviction?
- Do debt collectors give up?
- Do HMRC use Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited?
- Do I have to include everything in an IVA?
- Do IVAs get rejected?
- Do police turn up with bailiffs?
- Does everyone get accepted for an IVA?
- How badly does an IVA affect credit rating?
- How can I get rid of debt immediately?
- How do I apply for an IVA?
- How do I stop bailiff action?
- How do I stop debt collectors chasing me?
- How do you pay off debt aggressively?
- How do you qualify for debt relief?
- How long can I be chased for a debt?
- How long does an IVA take to pay off?
- How many payment breaks can you have in an IVA?
- How many times can a bailiff visit in a day in the UK?
- How much does an IVA cost?
- How much is an IVA per month?
- Is an IVA a good idea?
- Is an IVA better than a debt management plan?
- Is an IVA worth it?
- IVA companies
- IVA pros and cons
- What are the disadvantages of IVA?
- What can I do instead of an IVA?
- What does IVA stand for?
- What happens at the end of a debt relief order?
- What happens if you can't afford an IVA?
- What is the best debt charity?
- What is the downside to an IVA?
- Who are Moorcroft Debt Recovery?
- Who do Moorcroft Group collect for?
- Who pays the fees in an IVA?
- Will bailiffs give up?
- Will HMRC accept an IVA?
- Write off council tax debt
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