Last checked October 2026 · by the PaySorted team
What it is
Breathing Space (officially the Debt Respite Scheme) gives people in England and Wales with problem debt legal protection from their creditors while they get debt advice. It's arranged by a debt adviser, not by the customer themselves.
How long it lasts
- Standard Breathing Space: 60 days. The debt adviser reviews it between day 25 and day 35.
- Mental health crisis Breathing Space: for as long as the person is receiving mental health crisis treatment, plus 30 days. There's no fixed end date.
What you must stop doing
From the day you're told, for the debt it covers, you must not:
- Ask for payment, or send reminders, letters or texts about the debt
- Add interest, fees, penalties or charges
- Take enforcement action or start court action to collect it
- Get a collection agency or anyone else to do any of these for you
You can still reply if the customer contacts you, deal with things unrelated to the debt, and talk to their debt adviser at any time.
How you'll find out
The Insolvency Service sends creditors a notice, usually by email, naming the debt and the start date. Check your records for anything else the customer owes you and tell the debt adviser. If your customer is a sole trader, some business debts can be included.
If you think it's wrong
You can ask the debt adviser to review it within 20 days of it starting, for example if you think the customer can afford to pay or doesn't qualify. Until it's cancelled, the protections still apply.
When it ends
You can start chasing again, but you can't add the interest or charges you would have added during the Breathing Space. Many people come out of it with a debt plan, in which case you'll be told how you'll be paid.
How PaySorted handles it
Set the end date on the customer and PaySorted stops every reminder for them until then, including "Chase now". The escalation checks also won't let the case go to collection while it's running.
General information based on the Insolvency Service's guidance for creditors (checked October 2026), not legal advice. Scotland has its own debt moratorium scheme.
Common questions
How long does Breathing Space last?
A standard Breathing Space lasts 60 days. A mental health crisis Breathing Space lasts as long as the crisis treatment, plus 30 days.
Can I contact a customer in Breathing Space?
You can't ask them for payment of the debt, but you can reply if they contact you, deal with unrelated matters, and speak to their debt adviser.
Can I add interest during Breathing Space?
No. Interest, fees and charges on the debt are frozen and can't be added back afterwards.