If what Buenchico's post is correct I would wait until then. I've heard there are charitable institutions that help with the fees. As for the need to do it asap, if you don't own any assets - your creditors will just file defaults / CCJ's etc against you until such time that you do. If you were to get a loan with the Provident, you would then be filed as something along the lines of an "irresponsible bankruptcy", which if I'm not mistaken may lead to a longer discharge period. It's not a v nice situ that you're in & I hope things turn around for you soon. PS something to bear in mind for when you do get back into employment, bankruptcy can have an effect on certain proffessions ie police/accountants - you can check it out on the insolvency website.