What happens to my IVA if I pass away?

Nobody wants to think about passing away, or what will happen to their outstanding debts if they do. In this section we have questions and answers in case this should happen.

What happens to an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) on death?

If you pass away during your IVA, it does not automatically mean that your IVA will fail.  Your next of kin should contact us – it may be possible to ask your creditors to allow the funds that have already been paid into the IVA, to be accepted in full and final settlement, and for your IVA to be successfully completed. This will avoid the IVA failing and the debts falling on your estate.

What will happen if I become terminally ill during my IVA?

If you contact us we will be able to discuss options available to you.

The Insolvency Practitioner would be able to look at solutions available, and see what they can put in place so you don’t have the added worry of your IVA. It may be possible to ask your creditors to end your IVA early. 

Thinking about the future and what could happen can be difficult, but it’s important that your family is still cared for. 

Get free debt advice online or call 0800 316 1833 to speak to one of our experts. We’ll review your situation and explain your options clearly.

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FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Please contact us as soon as possible. We know these conversations can feel difficult – but you’re not alone, and our dedicated Vulnerability Team is here to support you with care and practical guidance.

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

  • Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
  • Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
  • It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?
Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

  • Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
  • New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.
Can an IVA affect citizenship?
Your IVA will appear on the Insolvency Register, which may be visible during a citizenship assessment. It doesn’t automatically prevent approval – and in many cases, it reflects that you’re actively managing your debts responsibly.

Read more FAQs →

FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Please contact us as soon as possible. We know these conversations can feel difficult – but you’re not alone, and our dedicated Vulnerability Team is here to support you with care and practical guidance.

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

  • Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
  • Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
  • It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?
Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

  • Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
  • New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.
Can an IVA affect citizenship?
Your IVA will appear on the Insolvency Register, which may be visible during a citizenship assessment. It doesn’t automatically prevent approval – and in many cases, it reflects that you’re actively managing your debts responsibly.

Read more FAQs →

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Excellent, professional, friendly and empathetic service. PayPlan have given us our lives back!
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