Debt charity experiences busiest days in more than a year

On the first Monday of the year, (5th January, 2026), StepChange Debt Charity had its busiest day in more than a year, as 800 clients went through debt advice, which is higher than any day in 2025. The charity has also seen nearly 100,000 people visit its website since the start of 2026.

Almost 4,000 people visited StepChange’s website on Christmas Day, whilst New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day saw 15,401 visitors to the website.

These statistics come as new Censuswide polling commissioned by StepChange reveals two in five (40%) British adults, equivalent to just over 21 million* people, expect their financial situation to worsen over the next 12 months. The statistics come as StepChange shares its top tips for people struggling with debt in the New Year, and where to get support.

Over three in five (63%) of those expecting their finances to get worse say it’s due to higher energy bills from January, while two in three (66%), say it’s due to the general higher cost of living.

The new research also examines how much people find themselves worrying about money, and for many, money worries have intensified over the past year with around one in six (17%) British adults say that they always worry about money, while a further 55% say they often or sometimes worry about money.

Over two in five people (43%) say they worry more now about money than they did this time one year ago., whilst women, in particular, are more likely to feel the financial strain as almost one in two (47%) report worrying more about money than they did a year ago, compared to just under two in five (39%) of men.

StepChange knows this time of year can be difficult for people’s finances, as the charity tends to see an increase in people seeking free debt advice in January.

Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange said “Across the UK, many people are still feeling the pressure of rising living costs, from everyday essentials to stubbornly high energy bills. We also know that it’s common for people to feel worried about their finances after the festive season is over, particularly if they’ve relied on credit or stretched their budget to cover costs. As we head into 2026, more people are reporting worries about how they’ll manage their money compared with this time last year — a clear sign that the financial pressures households face are far from temporary.

“We know from over 30 years of providing free debt advice that taking early, practical steps can make a real difference to your situation. If you’re finding it harder to keep up with bills or credit commitments, it’s important to talk to your creditors as soon as possible. They have a responsibility to support you if you’re in financial difficulty, and reaching out early can open the door to options that ease the pressure.

“If you need further support, StepChange is here to offer free and impartial debt advice. Whether you want support with managing debt, help building a realistic budget, or guidance on the next steps to take, our advice can help you regain control of your finances in 2026, and beyond.”