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Statutory Demand: What to Do in 21 Days
A statutory demand is a written warning from a creditor that they may start court action to make you bankrupt. It is not a court order. You have 21 days from service to pay or reach an agreement, and 18 days to apply to the court to have it set aside if you have grounds. Do not ignore it.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Deadlines and Options
Deadlines
You have 21 days from service to pay or agree terms. After that the creditor can apply to make you bankrupt. You have 18 days to apply to the court to have the demand set aside. source
Below £5,000
If a payment brings the debt below £5,000, the creditor cannot apply to make you bankrupt. source
Options
Pay in full, offer instalments, or consider an IVA. Grounds to set aside include disputing the debt. Get advice first. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 18 daysApply to set asideFrom service
- 21 daysPay or agreeFrom service
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Note the date you received the demand.
Step 2 of 4
Get free debt advice the same day.
Step 3 of 4
If you dispute the debt, apply to set it aside within 18 days.
Step 4 of 4
Otherwise, offer a plan or a payment that brings it under £5,000.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Free Debt Advice (MoneyHelper)
Find free, confidential debt advice near you or online.
Citizens Advice or National Debtline
Free debt advice. They can also ask bailiffs for more time on your behalf.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
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.