Debt Management Plans & Your Credit Score: Explained

With the increasing cost of living, it’s no surprise that many people are finding themselves in debt. Whether it’s overdrafts, credit cards or personal loans, more and more people are looking for solutions to handle their monthly payments.

A Debt Management Plan is one option to tackle debt and could reduce your payments to be more affordable. However, like all debt solutions, it could have negative effects on your credit score, which is something to consider.

It is advisable to compare Debt Management Plans to other debt solutions so you can make an informed decision on what is best for your circumstances. For example, a Debt Consolidation Loan could be a better fit if you can commit to making your payments in full and on time.

What is a Debt Management Plan?

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal agreement between you and your creditors that allows you to repay your debts at an affordable rate. Your monthly payments are consolidated into one payment that is paid to the debt management company, which then distributes the funds to your creditors.

A Debt Management Plan typically focuses on repaying non-priority debts, such as credit card debts and personal loans. Any priority debts, such as child support and mortgage payments, are not usually included in the plan.

What are the advantages of a DMP?

There are several advantages of enrolling in a Debt Management Plan, including:

• Potentially reduced interest rates and charges: Creditors may agree to lower or waive certain fees and reduce the interest rate on your debts, making it easier to repay what you owe.
• One affordable monthly payment: With a Debt Management Plan, you make one monthly payment to the debt management company, which then distributes the funds to your creditors. This can help you better manage your finances and budget for repayment.
• Opportunity to improve your credit score: Making regular, on-time payments under a Debt Management Plan could help improve your credit score over time.

What are the disadvantages of a DMP?

There are also some things to consider before enrolling in a Debt Management Plan, such as:

• You may still owe the full amount of your debts: While your monthly payments may be lower under a Debt Management Plan, you will need to make the debt repayments in full. (Unless you can negotiate a one-off large payment – known as a debt settlement).
• It can take several years to repay your debts: Depending on the size of your debts and your monthly payments, it can take several years to repay what you owe.
• Your creditors may not agree to a Debt Management Plan: While some creditors may be willing to work with you on a Debt Management Plan, others may not.
• You are not legally protected: Because a Debt Management Plan is an informal agreement, it does not prevent your creditors from taking legal action against you should they wish.

How long does a Debt Management Plan last?

A Debt Management Plan typically lasts 3-5 years, although it can sometimes last longer. The duration of the plan depends on the amount of money you owe, your income and the number of different creditors you owe money to.

Do all creditors accept DMPs?

Unfortunately, not all creditors will accept Debt Management Plans. However, a Debt Management Plan provider will be able to tell you how likely it is that your creditors will accept. Additionally, they will negotiate as much as possible in order to make the plan successful.

Does a Debt Management Plan affect my credit score?

A Debt Management Plan could affect your credit score in several ways. For example, if you make late or missed payments, this will likely have a negative impact on your score. However, making regular, on-time payments under a Debt Management Plan could help improve your credit score over time.

How do I rebuild credit after a DMP?

If a Debt Management Plan has caused a negative impact on your credit file, there are several things you can do to try and improve your credit score. For example, you could:

• Check your credit report for mistakes and errors: If there are any mistakes on your credit report, this could cause your score to suffer.
• Pay your bills on time: Making regular, on-time payments can help improve your credit score over time.
• Use a credit builder card: A credit builder card is a type of credit card designed for people with bad or limited credit histories. Typically, you'll need to make a regular deposit into the card, which will then be used to cover your monthly payments. As you make on-time payments, this can help improve your credit score. (Please note that, if you're currently under a DMP, you may not be able to get a new source of credit, such as a credit building card.)

How long does a Debt Management Plan affect your credit rating?

A Debt Management Plan can affect your credit rating for a considerable amount of time.

Although DMPs do not legally need to be added to your credit file, a creditor can request that it is noted on your credit file as a condition of them accepting the plan. In this case, it is likely that you will find obtaining credit significantly more difficult.

Additionally, because a Debt Management Plan allows you to make reduced monthly payments to creditors, it is likely that your creditors will add “default notices” to your credit file. This is expected when you are on a plan, but it will negatively affect your credit rating.

All in all, a Debt Management Plan is likely to impact your credit rating and the duration of its effect is dependent on multiple factors.

Can I settle my DMP early?

You can settle a DMP early by making a lump sum payment to your creditors. This is referred to as a Settlement Payment. In most cases, making these large one-off payments can result in you having a portion of your debt written off.

Can I reduce my Debt Management payments?

Debt Management Plan payments can be reduced under certain circumstances. When you set up the Debt Management Plan, your monthly payments will be agreed upon between you and your creditors. In some cases, your creditors may agree to reduce your monthly payments if you’re struggling to make the agreed amount.

It’s also worth noting that, in some cases, your creditors may agree to freeze interest and charges on your account, which could reduce the amount you owe over time.

What if I can’t stick to my DMP?

If you’re struggling to stick to your Debt Management Plan, it’s important to get in touch with your plan provider as soon as possible. They may be able to offer you alternative repayment options, such as a payment holiday or a reduced monthly payment amount.

It’s also worth noting that if you miss payments or default on your Debt Management Plan, this will likely have a negative impact on your credit score and relationship with current creditors.

Can I rent with a DMP?

There’s no definitive answer to this, as it will depend on each individual landlord or letting agent. However, it’s worth noting that a Debt Management Plan may make it more difficult to rent a property, as landlords and letting agents may view you as a higher-risk tenant. Ultimately, it will come down to the individual landlord or letting agent if they’re willing to rent to someone with a DMP on their credit file.

Can I buy a house while on a Debt Management Plan?

It is possible to buy a house while on a Debt Management Plan, although it may be more difficult to get approved for a mortgage. This is because lenders will view you as a higher-risk borrower due to the Debt Management Plan on your credit file.

If you’re looking to buy a house while on a Debt Management Plan, it’s important to speak to a mortgage advisor to determine your options.

Can I switch from a DMP to an IVA?

You can switch from a DMP to an IVA if you’re struggling to keep up with the payments on your DMP.

To do this, you’ll need to contact your Debt Management Plan provider and let them know that you want to switch to an IVA. Once your Debt Management Plan is closed, you’ll be able to set up the IVA and start making payments.