Creditors and advice agencies usually refer to someone who finds it especially hard to deal with their situation as ‘vulnerable’.
If a creditor or other organisation – including us – is aware that someone is potentially vulnerable, they should take extra care to make sure that person receives the same service but is not put at a disadvantage because of their situation.
Who's classed as 'vulnerable'?
There’s no set definition of a ‘vulnerable’ person when it comes to dealing with debts. Anyone who finds it especially hard to deal with their debts because of their situation or their health could be considered vulnerable.
Creditors should also treat vulnerable customers with understanding. Find about about your rights if you are vulnerable.
Someone may be vulnerable and need extra support to deal with their debts if they’re experiencing or have:
- A recent bereavement
- Mental health problems
- Long-term or terminal illness
- Dementia or brain injury
- Difficulty in communicating, for example reading or speaking on the phone
- Learning disability
- Relationship breakdown
- Addiction
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other reasons why someone could find dealing with debts difficult.
Vulnerability may be temporary – someone could struggle now but may find it easier to manage in future.
Additionally, vulnerability may not affect all areas of someone’s life, so for example they may find no problems dealing with other day-to-day activities, but when it comes to dealing with their debts or money, they may find things much harder.
Need help dealing with the debts of a vulnerable person?