Debt
There is a strong link between debt and health, with people in problem debt more likely to have worse health
There is a strong link between debt and health, with people in problem debt more likely to have worse health. This link remains after adjusting for age and income, meaning it’s not just driven by people with problem debt having lower incomes, or by their age profiles
The relationship between debt and health is two-way. Being unable to make debt repayments – problem debt – can harm people’s physical and mental health by acting as a source of stress and reducing opportunities for good health. Poor health can be a trigger for problem debt, through employment loss or low income.
These charts explore that relationship, as well as the impact of government action to ease financial pressures during the pandemic.
Relationship between debt and health
Analysis
Relationship between self-rated health and problem debt
Being in problem debt is associated with worse self-rated health.
Analysis
Relationship between self-reported anxiety level and problem debt
Being in problem debt is associated with worse mental health.
Analysis
Savings and income by health
Half of all working age people with poor health have no savings whatsoever.
Analysis
Persistence of debt problems by health
People in poor health are more likely to be in persistent debt.
Trends and inequalities in debt
Analysis
Household problem debt and debt burden by income decile
People living in lower income households are more likely to experience problem debt or to feel that...
Analysis
Working age adults behind with bills by income quintile
The proportion of adults behind with bills rose during the pandemic, before returning to...
Analysis
Debt burden and inflation time series
Inflation pressures could lead to an increase in perceived debt burden in 2022.
Further reading
Long read
Debt and health
About 17 mins to read
Government action in 2020/21 eased financial pressures for many. But with those on low incomes and...
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