Call for debt relief refunds to be claimed before the end of the year

The Insolvency Service is encouraging anyone who paid for a debt relief order (DRO) but did not submit their application to make contact for a refund.

Thousands of people can claim money back after the £90 DRO application fee was scrapped

The Insolvency Service has written to everyone affected, but some customer contact details may have changed since 2016. Refunds totalling £450,000 are available for those who paid the fee but did not finish the DRO application process, going back ten years

The Insolvency Service is offering a refund to people who paid for a debt relief order (DRO) but did not submit their application. Around £450,000 is available in refunds – and the Government agency is encouraging customers to make their claim before the end of the year.

The Insolvency Service has written to affected customers several times since November 2025 with details of how to apply. It is hoping to return as much money as possible before the end of 2026.

Caroline Shanahan, senior leader in the Personal Insolvency Team at the Insolvency Service, said “We want to reassure customers that this is a genuine refund and we want them to claim their money back if it is due. We’ve tried to contact customers directly, but as the refunds go back 10 years, we know some people’s contact details may have changed.

“People applying for a DRO may have been struggling financially – hence needing debt relief – so we’re really keen to return money owed to them as soon as possible.”