Request Breathing Space Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to request the 60-day breathing space moratorium on creditor action, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong request breathing space should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Identify the debts requiring protection
• Say you are getting debt advice to apply for Breathing Space, or that one is already in place
• Explain that only a debt adviser can start Breathing Space (a mental health crisis Breathing Space also needs evidence from an Approved Mental Health Professional)
• Ask the creditor to hold collection action while you get advice

What Breathing Space actually protects you from

In England and Wales, the Debt Respite Scheme (commonly called "Breathing Space") gives you 60 days of legal protection from most creditor action — this includes a pause on most interest, fees, and enforcement action like bailiffs, while you get debt advice and work out a plan. It's not debt forgiveness; it's a structured pause designed to stop the situation getting worse while a solution is found.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation that you're entering the Debt Respite Scheme, generally arranged through a debt adviser rather than directly with creditors
• The date your Breathing Space period begins and ends
• A request that the creditor pause interest, fees, and enforcement action for the duration
• Confirmation of which specific debts are covered

An important detail about how this actually starts

You can't simply write to a creditor and declare Breathing Space yourself — it needs to be set up through a professional debt adviser (such as StepChange, National Debtline, or a local authority debt service), who registers it formally. This letter is generally used to confirm the details with creditors once the scheme has already been set up on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Breathing Space stop all types of debt collection?
Most consumer debts are covered, but some, like certain court fines and child maintenance arrears, are excluded from protection.

What happens after the 60 days ends?
You're expected to have agreed a plan with your debt adviser during that period — such as a debt management plan or another solution — before normal creditor action can resume.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Name of Creditor]
[Creditor Address]
[Creditor Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Creditor],

Subject: Request to hold collection action - Account Number: [Account Number]

I am writing to tell you that I am in serious financial difficulty and cannot keep up my normal payments on the above account.

[England and Wales:] I am getting debt advice from [Name of Debt Advice Organisation, e.g. StepChange / National Debtline] to apply for Breathing Space (the Debt Respite Scheme). I understand that only a debt adviser can start Breathing Space. [Or, if it has started: My Breathing Space started on [date]. My debt adviser will confirm the details.]

[Scotland:] I am getting help from a money adviser to apply for a statutory moratorium.

[Northern Ireland:] I am working with a debt advice charity to find a way to repay my debts, and I ask for an informal breathing space while we prepare a repayment plan.

This request covers my account(s): [list the account numbers].

While I get advice, please:
• Hold all collection and enforcement action
• Freeze interest, fees and charges on this account
• Contact me only by email at [Your Email Address]

I will update you as soon as my debt adviser has been in touch.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]