Individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)

An IVA is a legally binding arrangement between you and your creditors, where they agree to a fixed affordable monthly payment over a fixed term (usually five years).

If you keep to the arrangement, your creditors will not chase you for payment. They will also not add any more interest to your balances unless you are able to pay the debts in full during the term of the IVA. It is a form of insolvency, so your unsecured debts need to outweigh the value of your assets such as property.

You cannot arrange an IVA without an Insolvency Practitioner. Your Insolvency Practitioner will act on your behalf to draw up the proposal, hold a creditors meeting to get the proposal accepted, and support you throughout the arrangement. An Insolvency Practitioner will charge for their services.

Before you start consider applying for an IVA, it is important to first find out whether it’s the best option for you.

If you want to know if an IVA is suitable for you can use our online debt counselling service, CCCS Debt Remedy, which will provide you with the most appropriate solution to your debt problem. Alternatively contact our free Helpline on 0800 138 1111.

    

Individual voluntary arrangement FAQs

England and Wales > Debt solutions > IVA

Your creditors can chose to accept or reject the proposal for an IVA. Alternatively, creditors may ask for modifications to the proposal that you have put forward before they will agree to the IVA. You should discuss any modifications with your Insolvency Practitioner.

England and Wales > Debt solutions > IVA

You may be asked to sell valuable assets, but you are able to keep most of the things you need for day-to-day living.

If you are a property owner, and you have equity, you may have to re-mortgage to pay a lump sum into your IVA in the 4th year of the arrangement.

England and Wales > Debt solutions > IVA

If you are unsure whether an IVA will affect your job, you must check the terms and conditions of your contract of employment. You can also speak to your union representative or personnel department.

England and Wales > Debt solutions > IVA

An IVA is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors. If you have an IVA and are struggling to pay it, you should talk to your Supervisor. Your Supervisor is the person who arranged your IVA. They will be able to help and support you with any problems you are having.

© Consumer Credit Counselling Service 2009