Can I ask for my debt to be written off?

While there is no automatic legal right to have a debt written off, it is possible in certain circumstances to request that a creditor writes off all or part of a debt. The most common grounds for a write-off request are: serious long-term illness or terminal illness that makes repayment impossible; severe mental ill-health that prevents the person from managing their finances; long-term or permanent inability to pay due to disability or unemployment; where the debt is statute barred under the Limitation Act 1980 (more than six years old with no acknowledgement or payment); and where the debt was taken out as a result of fraud or identity theft by a third party. To make a write-off request, you should write a detailed letter to the creditor explaining your circumstances, providing supporting evidence (medical letters, benefit letters, income and expenditure statement), and requesting that the debt be written off under their hardship or vulnerable customer policy. Many FCA-regulated lenders have policies for dealing with customers in financial difficulty, including consideration of write-offs. Some creditors may offer a partial write-off or a full and final settlement at a reduced amount as an alternative. Free debt advice organisations such as StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice can help you draft a write-off request and deal with your creditors. If a write-off is not possible, other debt solutions such as a Debt Relief Order or IVA may be appropriate.