How to apply for an IVA

To be eligible for an IVA you will need to meet certain criteria, including the level of debt you have and whether you are able to afford a monthly payment. You will need to have a stable income and spare money, and be able to pay your creditors back in a reasonable amount of time.

The IVA process starts with your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) getting to know you and your situation, and working out how much you can afford to pay each month towards your debts. This information will include your income and expenditure as well as any assets you may have.

Once you have gathered this information, your IP will put together a proposal for you to take to your creditors. This will include the amount of debt you owe, what monthly payments are likely to be, and any lump sums that might be paid.

Your creditors will be sent a copy of the proposal and then have time to read it before they can decide whether to accept it, or make any modifications. If 75% of the value of your creditors agree to the proposal then it becomes legal and can start to effect change in your debt situation.

How to apply for an IVA

Once your IVA is agreed, the debts you owe will be frozen, and you will no longer have to worry about being chased by your creditors. However, you should be aware that it will appear on your credit report for six years and your credit score will go down.