no...you don't have to take it now. but, if you apply for it later, you have to notify the person/official reciever dealing with your debt. if you don't, you are committing fraud by trying to hide money. ppi repayments are not considered as a 'windfall' income, and as such can be used to pay off your debts from the iva. especially if the ppi is from a loan included in the iva. no such thing as a free ride, i'm afraid.