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Bankruptcy: How to Apply and What Happens
In England and Wales you apply to make yourself bankrupt online and pay a £680 fee. An adjudicator from the Insolvency Service checks your application, usually within 28 days. If you are made bankrupt, an official receiver deals with your case. You are usually released from bankruptcy after 12 months, but it can stay on your credit file for 6 years.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Applying
How
Apply online and pay £680. A charity may help if you cannot afford the fee. An adjudicator checks your application and whether other money, such as savings or a pension, could pay your debts. You should usually hear within 28 days. source
After the Order
An official receiver takes over. Your name goes on the Land Charges register and, if you own property alone, a note is added at HM Land Registry. source
When It Ends
Discharge
You are usually released after 12 months, automatically. Any Income Payments Agreement or Order continues until it finishes. Bankruptcy can stay on your credit file for 6 years. source
Debts Not Written Off
Some debts are not included, such as social fund loans, student loans, child maintenance arrears and debts from fraud. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 28 daysUsual decision timeFrom applying
- 12 monthsUsual dischargeAutomatic
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Get free debt advice first: other options may suit you better.
Step 2 of 4
Gather details of all debts, income and assets.
Step 3 of 4
Apply online and pay the fee.
Step 4 of 4
Co-operate fully with the official receiver.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Apply for Bankruptcy (GOV.UK)
The official online service.
Free Debt Advice (MoneyHelper)
Find free, confidential debt advice near you or online.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A Debt Relief Order is cheaper if you have low income and few assets.
These rules are for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different debt and enforcement rules.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/bankruptcy Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/becoming-bankrupt/when-bankruptcy-ends Checked 15 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/options-for-clearing-your-debts-england-and-wales Checked 15 October 2026