Thousands of people are eligible for refunds from the Insolvency Service if they paid for a Debt Relief Order (DRO) but did not submit their application. Approximately £450,000 is available in total, and the agency is urging customers to claim their money before the end of 2026.
The £90 application fee for a DRO was removed in 2024. Those who paid this fee between 2016 and April 2024 for an uncompleted application are eligible for a refund. The amount owed may vary depending on whether payments were made in full, overpaid, or if multiple incomplete applications were made.
Caroline Shanahan, a senior leader in the Personal Insolvency Team at the Insolvency Service, stated that the agency has attempted to contact affected customers directly since November 2025. However, due to the ten-year period covered by the refunds, some contact details may have changed.
A DRO offers an alternative to bankruptcy for individuals with less than £50,000 of personal debt, with applications processed through authorised debt advisers or charities. To claim a refund, individuals should contact dro.preorder@insolvency.gov.uk, providing details such as their name, address, and bank account information for verification.