The Minimal Asset Process (MAP) is a Scottish debt write-off route designed specifically for people with very low income, few assets, and debts they genuinely cannot repay. It is simpler, faster, and cheaper than full sequestration — and it is Scotland’s equivalent of the Debt Relief Order (DRO) available in England and Wales.
For the full debt solutions picture, return to the Debt Solutions hub.
MAP Eligibility at a Glance
| Criterion | MAP requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum debt | £1,500 |
| Maximum total debt | £25,000 |
| Maximum asset value | £2,000 (car up to £3,000 excluded separately) |
| Maximum weekly surplus income | £100/week after essential expenses |
| Property ownership | Cannot own land or property |
| Previous MAP | None in the last 10 years |
| Previous sequestration | None in the past 5 years |
| Application fee | £50 |
How MAP Works
MAP compresses the sequestration process into a simplified 6-month track for those who meet the strict asset and income criteria.
The MAP Timeline
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Eligibility check | Money adviser assesses your income, assets, and debts |
| Application to AiB | Submitted by the money adviser, not by you directly |
| MAP awarded | AiB reviews and awards MAP — creditors are notified |
| 6-month moratorium | Creditors cannot take enforcement action; interest stops |
| Discharge | Qualifying debts written off — usually automatic at 6 months |
Once the MAP is awarded, creditors must stop all collection activity. The discharge at 6 months permanently writes off qualifying debts.
MAP vs DRO (England and Wales) vs Full Sequestration (Scotland)
| Factor | MAP (Scotland) | DRO (England/Wales) | Sequestration (Scotland) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum debt | £25,000 | £30,000 | No maximum |
| Maximum assets | £2,000 | £2,000 | No limit (trustee takes control) |
| Income threshold | £100/week surplus | £75/month surplus | No minimum income required |
| Application fee | £50 | £90 | £200 |
| Discharge at | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Property | Cannot own property | Cannot own property | Can own property — equity at risk |
| Credit file | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
MAP is faster and cheaper than either DRO or sequestration. For people who qualify, it is often the most appropriate route.
What MAP Covers and What It Does Not
Debts covered by MAP discharge:
- Credit card debt
- Personal loans and overdrafts
- Utility arrears
- Council tax arrears (up to certain limits)
- Benefit overpayments (in most cases)
- Catalogue debt and buy-now-pay-later arrears
Debts NOT covered (survive the discharge):
- Student loans
- Court fines and confiscation orders
- Child support and maintenance arrears
- Debts incurred through fraud or dishonesty
- Social fund loans
Your Credit File After MAP
A MAP will appear on your credit file for 6 years from the date it was awarded. During that period, obtaining credit, a mortgage, or some forms of employment in the financial sector will be more difficult.
After the 6-year period, the MAP record is removed from your credit file. For rebuilding credit after a MAP, see the Credit Builder Guide.
Applying for MAP — Where to Start
You cannot apply directly for a MAP. You must go through an approved money adviser. The following organisations provide this service free of charge in Scotland:
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
| Citizens Advice Scotland | citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland |
| StepChange Debt Charity | stepchange.org / 0800 138 1111 |
| National Debtline | nationaldebtline.org / 0808 808 4000 |
The adviser will assess whether MAP is appropriate, help you gather the required documentation, and submit the application to the AiB on your behalf. The £50 fee is the only cost to you.