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 age and income are taken into account, meaning it’s not just because people with problem debt have lower incomes, or are a particular age. 

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 them to improve their health. Poor health can be a trigger for problem debt, through losing work or low income.  

These charts explore that relationship, as well as the impact of government action to ease financial pressures during the pandemic.