Young people most likely to be in arrears

among different age groups. For example, telephone bill arrears are relatively common among 18-24-year-olds, whereas consumer credit arrears are more common among 50–64-year-olds.

While people aged 65+ least often have arrears, it would be premature to conclude that over-indebtedness is less of a problem for this age group. It may be less likely for people in this group to be over-indebted, but if they are indebted it is often a particularly large problem as many have little prospect of income increases and recovery. Among people with any of the arrears covered, those aged 65+ are also most likely to report lower mental well-being.

This research comes at a time when the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis puts financial pressure on many people throughout Europe, and when many vulnerable groups were already exposed to debt and arrears. The pandemic could also exacerbate an already divergent situation in the EU, with those in southern and eastern Europe disproportionately affected by debt, arrears and risk of poverty.