Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Compiled by IVA Advice Online from official research and published sources
How much do people pay each month in an IVA, how much do they owe, and what do IVAs cost in fees? There's less official data on these questions than on IVA numbers, so this page brings together what is published: Insolvency Service research, IVA firms' own published fee terms, and the official volume figures. Each figure shows exactly where it comes from and what it covers.
IVA monthly payments and debt levels
The Insolvency Service commissioned RSM UK to study a random sample of 310 IVAs that were both registered and terminated between 17 September 2021 and 17 September 2023, so every one ended within two years. The research found:1
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median monthly surplus income (the amount available for IVA payments) | £100 |
| Most common monthly surplus income | £90–£100 |
| Median level of debt | around £11,200 |
| Most common level of debt | £6,000–£10,000 |
Source: Insolvency Service and RSM UK, research report into concerns about IVAs, October 2024.1
For comparison, StepChange Debt Charity's new clients in 2025 had average unsecured debts of £16,874 (£19,701 including arrears). That covers people seeking debt advice generally, not just those who entered an IVA.2
Your own IVA payment is worked out from your income and essential living costs. See how IVA monthly payments are worked out and IVA living expenses.
IVA fees
IVA fees aren't paid upfront. They're taken from your monthly payments, so less of what you pay goes to creditors in the early part of the IVA. Fees are set out in your proposal, and creditors must approve them when they vote.3 There are usually two parts: a nominee fee for preparing the proposal and setting up the IVA, and a supervisor fee for running it. Here's what some providers publish:
| Provider | Nominee fee | Supervisor fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| StepChange Voluntary Arrangements | The first five payments, or £2,000 | 15% of any further money realised | No upfront fees. Disbursements aren't refunded if the IVA fails or you repay creditors in full early.4 |
| Freeman Jones (Money Wellness) | Usually a fixed fee of £3,650 covering nominee fee, supervisor fee and costs | Supervisor fees typically 15–18% of money paid to creditors. Creditors must approve.5 | |
| Creditfix | A fixed fee, not published on its website | Fees only charged if creditors approve the IVA. Windfalls may carry a percentage charge.6 | |
| Official Receiver (fast-track IVAs after bankruptcy) | £300 | 15% of money realised | Applies only to fast-track voluntary arrangements proposed by undischarged bankrupts.7 |
Published fee terms as shown on each provider's website, checked 28 October 2026. Fees can change and may differ in individual cases. This isn't a recommendation of any provider.
Our guide to how much an IVA costs explains fees in more detail, and how to choose an IVA company covers what to ask before you agree.
Check which debt solutions you could qualify for. It won’t affect your credit score.
How long IVA payments last
Most IVAs last five or six years. Under the 2025 IVA Protocol, which applies to new protocol IVAs from 1 July 2025, homeowners whose share of the equity in their home is £10,000 or more usually pay for six years instead of five. Payments are reviewed every year and can go up or down.3 See how long an IVA lasts.
How many IVAs are set up
There were 71,843 new IVAs in England and Wales in 2025, and 63,005 from January to September 2026.8 See IVA company statistics for figures by firm and IVA success rates for how many complete.
Common questions
What is the average IVA monthly payment?
There's no official average for all IVAs. In Insolvency Service research into IVAs that were terminated early (2021 to 2023), the median monthly surplus income available for IVA payments was £100, and the most common amount was between £90 and £100. Payments are set individually from your income and essential costs.
How much debt do people have in an IVA?
In the same Insolvency Service research, the median debt in an IVA was around £11,200, and the most common range was £6,000 to £10,000. For comparison, StepChange's new clients in 2025 had average unsecured debts of £16,874.
How much does an IVA cost in fees?
Fees vary by provider and are taken from your monthly payments rather than paid upfront. StepChange says its nominee fee is either the first five payments or £2,000, plus a supervisor fee. Money Wellness says IVAs through Freeman Jones usually have a fixed fee of £3,650. Creditors must approve the fees.
Are IVA fees regulated?
There's no fixed legal fee for most IVAs. Fees are set out in the IVA proposal and must be approved by creditors when they vote. Under the 2025 IVA Protocol, people must be given a key facts document before agreeing to an IVA, which explains provider fees and how payments are calculated.
How long do IVA payments last?
Most IVAs last five or six years. Under the 2025 IVA Protocol, homeowners whose share of equity is £10,000 or more usually pay for six years rather than five.
Using these statistics
You're welcome to use the figures on this page. Please credit the original source shown for each figure, and link to this page if it helped you find them:
Source: IVA Advice Online, "IVA Costs and Payments: The Statistics", https://ivaadviceonline.com/iva-costs-and-payments-statistics/Sources
- Insolvency Service and RSM UK Creditor Solutions LLP, Individual Voluntary Arrangements: research report into concerns, published 17 October 2024.
- StepChange Debt Charity, Statistics Yearbook 2025.
- Insolvency Service, Key facts: protocol individual voluntary arrangements (IVA Protocol 2025).
- StepChange Debt Charity, "IVA costs, fees and charges", checked 28 October 2026.
- Money Wellness, "Fees" (IVAs provided through Freeman Jones), checked 28 October 2026.
- Creditfix, "Our services and fees", checked 28 October 2026.
- Insolvency Service, Technical manual: fees in IVAs and fast-track voluntary arrangements.
- Insolvency Service, Individual insolvency statistics: September 2026, published 20 October 2026.
This page provides general information, not advice about your circumstances.