Credit score panic plunging millions struggling with essentials into further debt – how to get help

Money worries have a nasty habit of creeping into everything - your sleep, your commute, even your quiet morning brew break.

But that’s where millions of people in the UK are right now. They're struggling with bills, scared to speak up, and terrified that asking for debt help will send their credit score into the bin. A Centre for Responsible Credit report found that 34% of people on low-to-middle incomes think debt help conversations will impact their credit score, so they avoid seeking help altogether.

Let’s dig into what’s actually going on, why so many people are avoiding support, and what you can do if you’re finding it hard to keep up.

The cost of living crisis means millions borrow to fund the essentials

The latest data from the Centre for Responsible Credit paints a grim picture, but it’s one that’ll feel familiar to loads of people.

Here’s the reality as of January 2026.

• Most low-to-middle income households are relying on credit to get by - three quarters of households on low-to-middle incomes rely on borrowing to cover the essentials.
• Millions are cutting back on essentials to protect their credit score – around 6.4 million adults are cutting down on basics like food and heating to keep their credit score looking good.
• Credit score fear is stopping people from getting help – nearly half of low-to-middle income borrowers think getting debt advice will hurt their credit score; 34% of those surveyed think their credit score will actually drop if they ask for help.

Those who check their credit scores most often more likely to borrow more

It’s a vicious cycle; people check their credit scores, credit score apps suggest borrowing, people borrow more to fund the essentials and avoid seeking help with debt. Many, however, end up worse off down the line because they’ve taken on too much debt.

Around 18% of those surveyed struggled with the new repayments, around 14% ended up borrowing even more to pay their new debts, and around 1 in 10 ended up missing payments. This had negative effects on their credit scores – the very thing they hoped to avoid by not seeking debt help in the first place.

So what should you do if you’re struggling to cover the essentials, worried about paying off debt, but also don’t want to hurt your credit score?

Does seeking debt advice affect your credit score?

Let’s get this out of the way first. Seeking debt advice won’t harm your credit score in and of itself. You can speak to a debt adviser, explain your situation, and explore the options available to you without impacting your credit score.

Some of the options suggested may have an impact on your credit score, but you’re under no obligation to choose those options if you don’t want to. The decision on how to handle your debt is ultimately yours.

There are plenty of organisations out there that’ll help you explore your options and advise you how credit scores can be impacted by different solutions. MoneyWellness is one option, and Citizens Advice can be a good first point of contact for general resources.

Does taking out a debt solution affect your credit score?

Formal debt solutions can have an impact on your credit score. This is because debt solutions usually involve paying less than originally agreed, pausing payments, or writing off debts. They can also be noted on your credit file.

So yes, most structured debt solutions will have an impact. But they also stop things spiralling, protect your wellbeing, and help you move forward. They’re not the right choice for everyone, of course. There is support available if you don’t want to go down that route.

How to get help without hurting your credit score

If you’ve cut down on everything you can, and the choice is now between eating, heating, or more debt, it can feel like there are very few options left.

That being said, there is help available if you’re struggling with the basics and don’t want to miss out on payments or borrow more. Here are a few suggestions:

Speak to your creditors if you’re struggling

Telling your creditors that you’re struggling to make repayments won’t harm your credit score. In fact, the conversation could help. Energy companies, for example, have hardship funds they can point you to for short-term help with bills. These hardship funds don’t appear on your credit report and can help you make ends meet in a pinch.

Check if you’re eligible for benefits

Millions of people miss out on support they’re entitled to. Try a benefits calculator and apply if you’re eligible for help. Being on benefits in and of itself does not affect your credit score.

Get a food bank referral

If you’re struggling to afford food, a food bank can take the pressure off for a bit. It won’t show up on your credit report, it won’t hurt your credit score, and no lender will ever know about it.

Most food banks work on referral, but getting one is easier than you think. You can get referred by Citizens Advice, your GP, or your child’s school or nursery, for example.

Need more help?

Our cost of living hub is packed with resources to help whether you’re struggling with household bills or other essentials. The key thing to remember is, there is support out there even when it feels like you’re out of options.