MAP eligibility criteria
Income at or below the low-income threshold (typically limited to state benefits or similar).
Total assets worth £2,000 or less.
No single asset worth more than £1,000 (excluding a vehicle up to £3,000).
No ownership of a home.
Total debts between £1,500 and £25,000.
Full Administration for everyone else
Full Administration applies where you exceed one or more of the MAP thresholds. Higher income, higher-value assets, homeownership, or higher debt levels all trigger Full Administration.
Full Administration is more thorough — more scrutiny of income and assets, potential DCO payments, potential dealing with property.
It is also more expensive (£150 vs £50) and lasts 12 months to discharge (vs 6 months for MAP).
Choosing the right route
You do not choose — the criteria decide. Money Advisers (the Scottish equivalent of debt advisers) assess which route fits.
If MAP is available, it is almost always the better route: cheaper, faster, less intrusive.
If MAP is not available, Full Administration or a Trust Deed become the main insolvency options.