Half of UK adults have experienced problem debt – yet almost half keep it secret, StepChange reveals

^{16 March 2026}

As StepChange Debt Charity marks the start of its 12th Debt Awareness Week, new research shows that one in two people (51%) have experienced problem debt. Worryingly, 44% of them told no one about their financial struggles.

Debt Awareness Week runs from Monday 16 – Sunday 22 March and StepChange is urging people to talk more openly about debt to help break down stigma and encourage those struggling to seek free, confidential advice sooner. To support the week, the charity has released practical steps for managing debt worries (see below).

New polling by Censuswide, commissioned by StepChange, highlights how debt can affect people:

• Almost four in five (79%) said their debt problems caused significant stress
• Two in five (40%) said it made them feel ashamed
• The charity warns that stigma around debt is fuelled by misunderstandings about what causes it. Contrary to common assumptions, some of the leading causes among StepChange clients are unexpected life events, including unemployment or redundancy (15%) and illness or injury (10%).

However, the public significantly underestimates these factors. In the survey:

• Just 9% believed unemployment or redundancy was the biggest driver of debt in the UK
• Only 1% identified health issues as the main cause
• Meanwhile, 7% pointed to gambling—despite it affecting only 2% of StepChange clients

This Debt Awareness Week, StepChange shares steps for managing debt worries:

1. Create your budget: Unless you have a clear picture of your monthly income and outgoings, it can be difficult to know how much you’ll have leftover to repay debts. Visit StepChange’s website for some handy budget templates.
2. Prioritise your debts: Any debts you have across essentials like your rent, mortgage, energy or council tax, should be paid first before addressing any borrowing on credit cards or personal loans, as there can be more serious consequences for non-payment.
3. Make savings: Check your new budget to see if there are any areas for saving, maybe cutting back on subscriptions or switching to a cheaper supermarket, for example. Make sure you’re also receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to, by using StepChange’s benefits calculator.
4. Get support: If you’ve budgeted and made savings but are still finding it difficult to manage your debt, you’re not alone — and you don’t need to handle it by yourself. Talking about money worries can bring real relief, whether that’s opening up to trusted friends or family, or speaking directly with your creditors, who often have specialist teams ready to help. You can also access free, confidential and impartial debt advice from charities such as StepChange. They can help you understand your options and find the right path forward.

Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

“We know talking about debt can feel daunting. Money remains one of society’s most closed‑off topics, yet open conversations can make a huge difference for anyone struggling.

With problem debt affecting one in two people, breaking down its stigma is essential. When we reduce the shame and silence around debt, we remove one of the biggest barriers stopping people from seeking the help they deserve.”

Notes to Editors

1. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 4,000 UK nationally representative general consumers (18+). The data was collected between 13.01.2026 - 19.01.2026. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
2. By "people in problem debt" we mean people who find keeping up with their bills and credit commitments a 'heavy burden', or who have missed payments for bills and/ or credit commitments in three or more of the last six months.