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An old debt is not automatically written off. Whether a time limit applies depends on the debt, jurisdiction, payments, acknowledgements and any court action. MoneyNerd provides general information, not personal debt or legal advice.
England and Wales
For many unsecured credit debts, the limitation period is six years. The starting point depends on the agreement and when the creditor could bring a claim; it is not always your last payment or the default date shown on a credit report. A payment or written acknowledgement before the period expires can restart it.
If the debt is statute-barred, limitation can provide a defence to a court claim. The debt generally still exists. Do not ignore a claim form: you must respond in time and raise the defence. A court judgment already obtained needs separate advice.
Scotland
Scotland uses prescription rules. Many unsecured debts can be extinguished after five years if the relevant conditions are met, including no relevant claim or acknowledgement during that period. An extinguished debt no longer exists.
The five-year rule does not apply to everything. Council tax, court decrees and various public debts have different rules. Scottish legislation changed from 28 February 2025, including rules on the longer prescription period. Ask an adviser to check the dates and debt type rather than applying a blanket five-year test.
Other debts and recovery methods
Mortgage shortfalls, tax, benefit overpayments, maintenance and student loans need separate checks. A time limit on court action does not necessarily stop recovery through deductions from wages or benefits. Do not assume every UK debt follows the same rules. Get advice specific to Northern Ireland if that is the relevant jurisdiction.
Can creditors still contact me?
FCA rules restrict the collection of statute-barred debts. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a regulated firm must not attempt recovery where the lender or owner has not been in contact during the limitation period. It must not continue demanding payment after you state that you will not pay because the debt is statute-barred.
Firms must not mislead you about court action. Some legally required notices may still arrive. If collection continues, complain to the firm and check whether the Financial Ombudsman Service can consider the complaint.
What should I check?
Gather the agreement, statements, payment history, letters and any court papers. Ask a free debt adviser to check the relevant dates before admitting liability or making a payment. Keep copies of correspondence and meet all legal deadlines.
A debt disappearing from your credit report does not prove that it is statute-barred. Credit reporting and legal enforcement follow different rules.
Sources and free help
See National Debtline for England and Wales, its Scottish guide, and FCA CONC 7.15. These explain the exceptions and provide routes to advice.
