A major new report from Advice NI, commissioned by the Consumer Council NI, has revealed that many people across Northern Ireland are waiting far too long before seeking debt advice – often only reaching out when they are at breaking point.

The research, ‘Debt Disconnect’, shows that 69 per cent of Advice NI clients waited for more than 12 months before contacting a debt adviser, with over half delaying for more than two years. Three out of four clients later admitted that they regretted not seeking help sooner.

The report also paints a stark picture of the financial pressures facing households. Advice NI advisers supported 3,481 clients in 2024/25, a three per cent increase on the previous year. People are juggling more debts than ever, with the average number of credit agreements rising from 1.8 to 2.8 in just three years. Despite a slight fall in overall borrowing, clients are still carrying an average debt of more than £11,000 – a sum that leaves many unable to cover basic living costs.

Advice NI

The report was launched today at a stakeholder event open by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Tracy Kelly who commented: “Debt is an issue that touches too many homes in Belfast, and across Northern Ireland. That’s why Belfast City Council are working in partnership with Advice NI and other advice organisations to shine a light on the range of support services that are available to residents. We want to highlight the life-changing difference that free, trusted advice can make. I am delighted to be here today, to open this important event, and to see the vital work that Advice NI is doing to support people in their time of need. We applaud their commitment to helping individuals and families take back control of their finances and futures.”

The human toll of debt is laid bare in the report’s findings. Four out of five clients reported a health issue, with one in four experiencing a mental health condition. Seven in ten said they regularly ran out of money, while over half admitted they had gone without food. More than a third had turned to food banks, more than 75 per cent had been forced to switch off their heating because they could not afford to keep it on. Most alarming of all, fifteen per cent of clients said they had felt suicidal before reaching out for advice – a figure that has increased by five per cent compared to previous years.

Despite this challenging picture, the report demonstrates that debt advice has a transformative impact. In 2024/25, Advice NI supported 3,481 people struggling with more than £39.1 million of debt, helping them to take back control of their lives. The difference this support makes is clear: 84 per cent of clients said they felt more in control of their finances, 94 per cent reported being better able to manage their money, and 90 per cent felt their emotional wellbeing had improved. Almost every client – 97 per cent – said they would recommend the service to others.

Commenting on the findings, Sinéad Campbell, Head of Money Debt and Quality at Advice NI, said: “These statistics show the devastating impact of debt on people’s lives, but they also underline the difference that quality debt advice can make. Too many people are suffering in silence for years before coming to us, and by that stage their situation is often much worse than it needs to be. Problem debt is a worrying cycle that’s difficult to escape without the right support. We want to send a clear message: there is no shame in asking for help. Come forward and let us support you – the earlier you reach out; the more options we can give you and the sooner you can start to rebuild your life and financial wellbeing.

“When people are in financial difficulty, they can be at their most vulnerable and we also know that’s when the wrong kind of advice can cause real harm. Too often, we see individuals who have been advised poorly or are paying extortionate fees that only makes their situation worse by adding to their costs. That is why it is so important to seek out trusted, impartial and free services like those provided by Advice NI. Our advisers are independent, highly trained, and focused solely on achieving the best possible outcome for clients, not on making a profit from their hardship.”

The report calls for earlier intervention, clearer communication, and stigma-free messaging around debt advice. Advice NI is urging government and partner organisations to help create more awareness of the free confidential debt advice services to help ensure that people know where support is available before they reach crisis point.