Trust-Deeds.co.ukIntroducing A DAS / Debt Arrangement Schemes
A Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) is a government debt repayment scheme for Scottish residents only. A DAS will freeze all interest and charges with your creditors meaning that you will be safeguarded from your debts increasing once you enter a DAS. One of the main benefits to entering a DAS is that any valuable assets such as your car or home will not be affected in any way.
The scheme will allow you to pay back an affordable monthly payment which will be determined once a money advisor goes through your financial circumstances and assess how much money you have available to service your debts. You will then pay back the full amount owed minus any interest and fees. You will be notified by your advisor how much you will need to pay back each month (or weekly), how long the scheme will take and the final amount you will pay. Your approved money advisor will then submit the details of your Debt Arrangement Scheme Debt Payment Plan to your creditors. Your creditors will have a period of 21 days to advise your approved money advisor if they object to the Debt Arrangement Scheme Debt Payment Plan. If no creditors object to the proposed plan, then its details are submitted to the DAS Administrator (The Accountant in Bankruptcy – an office of the Scottish Government), and the Debt Payment Plan will automatically be given approved status. If any of your creditors do object, then the DAS Administrator would consider whether or not your Debt Payment Plan is “fair and reasonable”, and if so, approve your Debt Payment Plan (regardless of any of your creditors’ objections).
If you are worried that creditors may take action against you before you are able to get your Debt Arrangement Scheme Debt Payment Plan up and running, then your approved money advisor can apply on your behalf for a legal 6 week breathing period to enable your Debt Arrangement Scheme Debt Payment Plan to be formulated and approved.
Advantages
Repay only what you can afford each month
Calls from angry creditors will reduce or stop
All interest and charges will be frozen
A money advisor will deal with your creditors for you
Relieving you of the stress of handling your creditors
Your home will not be affected by the DAS as long as you maintain mortgage or rent payments on it
Key assets such as your car or home will protected by a DAS
All unsecured debt included in the plan will be paid upon successful completion of the plan
Disadvantages
As with most cost saving plans there may be some disadvantages as below:
Acceptance
Disadvantage
Individuals cannot apply for a DAS - they must consult an Approved Money Advisor
Register
Disadvantage
Your name will be placed on the DAS Register, so you won’t be able to borrow any more money while your DAS is running.
Repayment Period
Disadvantage
A DAS can last for several years if you have large debts and this period can be extended if you have to reduce the amount you pay to creditors each month.
No payments
Disadvantage
Failure to maintain payments on a debt arrangement scheme may result in your creditors breaking off arrangements that were initially made at the start of your debt program .
Further Limitations
Despite having a number of benefits, a Debt Arrangement Scheme does have some disadvantages, which should be considered.
If you would like to find out more about a debt arrangement scheme or want to find out if it is the right solution for you then simple complete our quick enquiry form and an advisor from Wylie & Bisset LLP will contact you shortly.
