How to apply for bankruptcy online

Applying for bankruptcy in England & Wales is now fully online via the Insolvency Service. Here is the step-by-step process.

Before you apply

• Gather your list of creditors, debt amounts and any reference numbers.
• Confirm your income, monthly essentials and any assets.
• Make sure you have an email address and a debit card for the fee.
• See Gathering paperwork for your bankruptcy application for a full checklist.

The online application

1. Visit the Insolvency Service bankruptcy application page at gov.uk/bankruptcy.
2. Create an account using your email.
3. Enter your details — income, expenses, debts and assets.
4. Review carefully — false information is an offence.
5. Pay the fee: £680 (deposit + administration fee). Instalments may be available if you cannot pay in one go, and fee waivers are available if you receive certain qualifying benefits.

What you will need

• National Insurance number
• Address history for the past 3 years
• Bank account details
• Full list of debts and creditors
• Income and expenditure details
• Details of any assets

What happens next

• The Adjudicator reviews your application, usually within a few working days (up to 28 days).
• If approved, you are declared bankrupt and an Official Receiver is appointed.
• The Receiver may contact you to discuss your situation — see How to prepare for the Official Receiver interview.
• Your details appear on the Individual Insolvency Register (a public record).

During bankruptcy

• Tell creditors you are bankrupt — they should stop most collection action.
• You must cooperate with the Official Receiver.
• You usually keep household items and tools needed for work.
• Your bank accounts may be frozen; you can open a new basic account afterwards.
• If you have spare income above roughly £20 a month, the Official Receiver may set up an Income Payments Agreement (IPA), usually lasting up to three years — see What is an IPA?.

After discharge

Most people are discharged after 12 months, at which point most remaining debts are written off. Some restrictions (such as obtaining credit above £500 without disclosing your status) continue for the duration of the bankruptcy.

Useful tip

A bankruptcy application is just information — you do not need a solicitor. Free debt charities can check your forms before you submit. Do not use third-party services that charge extra fees to submit your application on your behalf.

Speak to a free debt charity such as StepChange (0800 138 1111) or National Debtline (0800 808 4000) to confirm bankruptcy is your best route before applying.

England & Wales only. General information, not legal advice.