Debt Solutions: Is an Administration Order Right for You?
Updated 25 September 2025
What Is An Administration Order?
An Administration Order (AO) is a formal debt solution arranged by the County Court to help individuals repay multiple debts when they have received at least one County Court Judgment (CCJ) or High Court Judgment but cannot pay in full. It is a legally binding agreement that allows you to repay your debts over time through manageable monthly payments. Administration Orders are designed for those whose total debt does not exceed £5,000.
Under an AO, creditors included in the order cannot take further legal action against you without the court’s permission. While Administration Orders are still available, they are now less common than before, with many opting for alternatives like Debt Relief Orders.
This article explains:
- Eligibility for an Administration Order
- How to apply for an Administration Order
- How an Administration Order works
- Common questions about Administration Orders
Eligibility for an Administration Order
To be eligible for an Administration Order, you must:
- Owe less than £5,000 in total debt, including interest and charges
- Owe money to at least two creditors
- Have a CCJ or High Court Judgment against you that you cannot pay in full
- Be able to prove you can afford regular monthly repayments based on your income and expenses
How to Apply for an Administration Order
In England and Wales, apply by completing the court form N92, which lists your income, expenses, and debts, and submit it to your local County Court. Important: do not sign the form until you are at the court in front of a court officer.
You will also need to provide:
- Proof of debts (e.g., creditor letters showing balances)
- Proof of income and expenses
- Copies of any court judgments or orders included in your application
In Northern Ireland, the application uses ‘Form 11,’ available from the Enforcement of Judgments Office (EJO).
How an Administration Order Works
Once you submit your application, the court reviews the information and decides:
- How much of your debt you must repay (full or part)
- Your monthly repayment amount
- The length of the repayment period
The court issues a proposed administration order with details of debts, monthly payments, and duration. You and your creditors have 14 days to object. Creditors can object to their inclusion, the owed amount, the repayment offer, or a composition order (part debt repayment and part debt write-off).
If objections occur, a court hearing is arranged. If agreed, your debts are consolidated under the AO, and creditors cannot contact you without court approval.
If it is unlikely your debt can be repaid within a reasonable period (usually 3 years), a district judge may propose:
- A longer-term full administration order
- A composition order to pay back part of the debt
- A hearing to resolve disagreements
Payments Under an Administration Order
You make a monthly payment to the court, which distributes funds to creditors. Payments are based on what remains after priority debts and essential living costs. The court may require payments via an attachment of earnings order (deducted from wages).
The court charges a fee of up to 10% of all repayments to cover its costs. For example, if you owe £5,000, the court fee cannot exceed £500. These fees are deducted before creditors are paid.
Administration Order FAQs
What debts can be included?
Most debts can be included, but a judge may exclude certain debts. Creditors can object to inclusion, resulting in a hearing. Excluded debts still count towards the £5,000 total.
How does it affect my credit file?
An AO appears on your credit file and the public Register of Judgments for six years, making new credit harder to obtain.
What if my circumstances change?
You may request the court to alter payments or cancel the AO, sometimes requiring a hearing.
How much does it cost?
No fee is charged to apply, but the court deducts up to 10% from all payments made. A £14 fee applies to request a certificate of satisfaction once the order is paid off.
What should I do before applying?
Prepare a full list of debts with creditor details and complete a budget sheet showing income and expenses.
What happens after completion?
When the AO ends, the court updates the Register of Judgments to show the order is satisfied. You can request a certificate of satisfaction for proof of repayment.
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