Statute-barred
debt checker
Being chased for an old debt? Check if it's too old to be enforced through the courts.
Statute-Barred Debt Checker
Check if a debt is too old to be enforced through the courts.
The last time you (or anyone) made a payment towards this debt.
If you wrote to the creditor acknowledging you owe the debt after the last payment.
Limitation periods
Common questions
What does statute-barred mean?
A debt becomes statute-barred when the limitation period expires (usually 6 years in England/Wales, 5 in Scotland). The creditor can no longer take you to court to recover it.
Can I still be contacted about a statute-barred debt?
Technically yes, but they cannot threaten court action or mislead you into thinking the debt is enforceable. If they do, report them to the Financial Ombudsman.
What restarts the clock?
Making ANY payment (even £1) or acknowledging the debt in writing restarts the entire limitation period. Never do this if you think a debt might be statute-barred.
Free debt help
StepChange: 0800 138 1111 (free). Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk. National Debtline: 0808 808 4000.
Instant Check
Enter dates and see immediately if the limitation period has expired.
UK Law Based
Covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland limitation periods.
Free Letter Template
Get a 'prove it' letter to send to debt collectors.
Financial complaints go to the Financial Ombudsman
Complain to the bank, lender or insurer first. They have eight weeks to answer. If they say no, or say nothing, the Financial Ombudsman Service reviews it for free and its decisions are binding on the firm. That is a stronger route than anything we could write.
Financial Ombudsman Service(opens in a new tab)Related
Other places this tool comes in handy.