Debt Management Plans. How To Set Up A DMP. StepChange (2024)

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How do I get a DMP?

A debt management plan (DMP) is a debt solution that helps you pay back debts at an affordable rate. You need to fill in some forms to set it up.

This page explains the steps you need to take to set up a debt management plan.

How do I set up a DMP?

Get debt advice from a debt charity or debt management company before you choose a debt solution.

Your provider will let you know if a DMP is right for you.

They need some paperwork to set up your DMP, including:


  • A signed DMP agreement
    • This authorises the DMP company to make payments on your behalf
  • A signed Direct Debit agreement
    • To make payments
  • Proof of income
    • To check you can afford payments
  • Account numbers for all of your debts
    • To work out who you owe money to

This process is simple and can be done online.

Your provider works out:


  • Who you owe money to
  • How much you owe
  • What you can afford to pay
  • How much you should pay each person you owe

Send letters to the people you owe telling them you are setting up a DMP. We have a sample letter you can use.

A DMP can affect you in several ways. Read about the benefits and risks before entering into a DMP.

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

What happens after the DMP is set up?

You start making regular payments towards your debts once your DMP is set up.

It is normal to still get letters from creditors but you can expect less contact if you stick to the payments.

How long does a DMP take to set up?

It can take a few weeks to set up a DMP.

It depends on how quickly you can provide the information needed.

Can I move my DMP from another company?

Yes, you should be able to move your DMP.

Use a fee-free DMP company to make sure all your money goes towards paying your debts.

Your new provider will:


  • Look at your finances
  • Suggest another solution if they do not think a DMP is right for you

Can I set up a DMP myself?

You can set up your DMP yourself. But, you have to:


  • Manage your own payments
  • Contact everyone you owe yourself
  • Manage the DMP yourself

Some debt management companies charge for DMPs.

StepChange is a charity and provides free debt management plans.


  • All of the money paid into your DMP goes to the people you owe
  • This means you pay off your debt faster

Find out more about how debt management companies work.

You may be able to apply for Breathing Space while you set up your DMP.

This helps people during debt advice.

Already a DMP client?

Find out how to get the best out of your DMP.

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

Debt Management Plans. How To Set Up A DMP. StepChange (1)

"They were so kind, they listened patiently and helped me through the process" Alison, Kent

Debt Management Plans. How To Set Up A DMP. StepChange (2024)

FAQs

Debt Management Plans. How To Set Up A DMP. StepChange? ›

Sometimes a creditor will refuse to deal with a DMP provider. This could be because the creditor doesn't want to accept the reduced payments or sometimes it could be because they've objected to you using a fee-charging provider, which would mean there's less money to pay the debts you have with them.

Why would a DMP be rejected? ›

Sometimes a creditor will refuse to deal with a DMP provider. This could be because the creditor doesn't want to accept the reduced payments or sometimes it could be because they've objected to you using a fee-charging provider, which would mean there's less money to pay the debts you have with them.

What debts Cannot be included in a DMP? ›

The main debts left out of DMPs tend to be secured and priority debts, like mortgages or car finance agreements, which will need to be paid as usual. If you're struggling to pay any of your priority debts, you'll need to speak to your suppliers.

What counts as a successful DMP? ›

What counts as a successful DMP? You're making a success of your DMP when: You're making realistic payments on time each month. It runs smoothly alongside your other expenses, so you always have enough for priority bills and living costs.

How do you write a debt management plan? ›

There are specific steps to a debt management plan that all must be followed with care to make it work:
  1. Create a spreadsheet.
  2. Determine a debt management strategy.
  3. Negotiate lower interest rates.
  4. Limit expenses.
  5. Track your progress and monitor your credit report.
Jan 5, 2023

Do most creditors accept DMP? ›

Yes – creditors are under no obligation to accept your DMP. They might do this if they don't want to accept reduced payments or feel you could afford to pay more. If they refuse to negotiate with your DMP provider, it can be worth negotiating with them yourself. Outline what you can afford to pay each month and why.

Does a DMP hurt your credit? ›

The notation signifying your DMP activity does not have a negative effect on your score going forward – in fact, it may suggest to lenders that you actively work to pay all of your debts to the best of your ability.

Can I do a debt management plan myself? ›

You can set up your DMP yourself. But, you have to: Manage your own payments. Contact everyone you owe yourself.

What type of debt Cannot be erased? ›

While the specifics vary somewhat among the different chapters, the most common examples of non-dischargeable debts are: Alimony and child support. Certain unpaid taxes, such as tax liens. However, some federal, state, and local taxes may be eligible for discharge if they date back several years.

Is there a maximum amount of debt for DMP? ›

Debt Type and Amount: While there's no strict minimum or maximum debt level for a DMP, it's crucial that the debts are primarily non-priority unsecured debts, such as credit cards, personal loans, and store cards. Steady Income: A consistent source of income is vital.

Which DMP is the best? ›

Top 5 Data Management Platform (DMP) technologies in 2024
companyNamemarketShare
IPInfoDB24.11
Adform22.45
IPinfo.io11.3
Sojern8.22
2 more rows

Is a DMP worth it? ›

A DMP may be a good option if the following apply to you: you can afford your living costs and have a way to deal with any priority debts, but you're struggling to keep up with your credit cards and loans. you'd like someone to deal with your creditors for you. making one set monthly payment will help you to budget.

How do I choose a DMP? ›

How to get a debt management plan
  1. Step one: check which debts the DMP will cover. ...
  2. Step two: decide whether a DMP is right for you. ...
  3. Step three: work out your budget. ...
  4. Step four: think about whether to pay for your DMP. ...
  5. Step five: choose a DMP provider.

What are the disadvantages of a debt management plan? ›

Disadvantages of a debt management plan include: your debts must be repaid in full – they will not be written off. creditors don't have to enter into a debt management plan and may still contact you asking for immediate repayment.

Does a debt management plan go on a credit file? ›

Your DMP may show up on your credit reference file. Some creditors may ask for a note to be put on your file to say that you have a DMP. This would reduce your chances of getting credit if you applied for it while on your DMP, as it would show you've had trouble keeping up with repayments.

Why do I keep getting denied for debt consolidation loan? ›

Your debt ratio is too high. You have a bad payment history. You have an unstable job or low income. You can't provide collateral.

Can debt consolidation be declined? ›

If your debt consolidation loan was rejected, it means lenders felt uncomfortable with your ability to repay what you borrow. Look at things from a lender's point of view. They want to know what are the chances you will pay the money back?

What does debt management not involve? ›

DMPs generally don't include secured loans, like mortgages and auto loans, and some types of unsecured loans, such as student loans. Counselors may be able to offer guidance on how best to repay these debts, but you'll generally need to manage the payments on your own.

What happens if my DMP fails? ›

Missing a payment will mean your creditors don't get the monthly payment they're expecting, which may mean they decide to stop co-operating with your DMP. Don't bury your head in the sand, as this will only make the problem worse. Talking to your provider quickly is the only way to get the problem sorted out.

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