IVA failed: check the notice and get help
This guide covers England and Wales
The short answer
First check whether you have a breach notice or a certificate of termination. A warning that something needs fixing is different from a notice confirming the IVA has ended.
Contact your supervisor and a free debt adviser. If the IVA has ended, creditors can pursue outstanding balances again and may add interest and charges.
Use the contact details on your own IVA papers. There is nothing to upload or sign up for here.
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Editorial responsibility: IVAs & Bankruptcy — how we check and correct information.
What do your papers say?
Ask the supervisor to confirm the status in writing. If a notice has a deadline, respond promptly rather than assuming you have to start another IVA.
- Breach notice: what needs correcting, and by when?
- Certificate of termination: when did the arrangement end?
- Completion certificate: this is a different outcome, not failure.
Find out what is still owed
Ask for a statement showing payments, fees, money sent to creditors and remaining balances. Early payments may have gone mainly to fees, so the debt reduction can be smaller than expected.
Under the 2025 protocol terms, termination ends the protection against creditors pursuing balances directly. Interest and charges can be owed for the period the IVA ran. Your terms and debts need individual checking.
Discuss the next step without rushing
A supervisor or creditor may ask for bankruptcy. That is a possible consequence, not an automatic result of every failed IVA. Do not ignore court papers.
A free adviser can explain your whole position and other options. We do not choose a replacement solution or offer a second-IVA sales route. If your home is at risk, get housing advice as well.
What to take to the adviser
You can gather these privately. There is no upload on this website.
- Approved IVA proposal and modifications.
- Breach or termination notices and dates received.
- Latest payment, fee and creditor statements.
- Any court papers, mortgage arrears or urgent letters.
What to do next
Free, independent debt advice
These services are free. They will not judge you, and they can look at your whole situation.
Free debt advice charity. They can talk through all your options with you.
Call free: 0800 138 1111 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
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Call free: 0808 808 4000 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
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Call free: 0800 144 8848 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
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Related guides
- Missed an IVA payment or need a break?Contact your IVA supervisor early. Understand payment breaks, changes, breach notices and the papers to check without a new sales journey.
- What is bankruptcy? A plain-English guideHow bankruptcy works in England and Wales: how it starts, what happens to your home, money and belongings, the rules you follow and how it ends.
- Mortgage arrears: what to do nextMissed a mortgage payment? Find the next step for lender contact, court papers or an eviction date, with free housing help.