Many young adults in the UK are finding it increasingly challenging to pay for rent and everyday necessities as family resources are stretched thin, according to recent data that reveals how hard it is for those who cannot rely on parental assistance.
Independent Living Out of Reach for More Young Adults
More and more young people are unable to afford to rent or buy a home. BBC Your Voice reported this summer that more than 40% of 25-year-olds currently live with their parents. While some turn to family for help covering rent, living costs, or bills, there remains a sizeable portion who do not have that safety net, leaving them particularly exposed during the persistent cost of living crisis.
The independent charity Citizens Advice has noticed a growing number of young people reaching out for support as they struggle to cover essential outgoings. The organisation reports troubling patterns showing that, in the absence of family support, it is becoming ever harder for many to afford basics like food and shelter.
Facing Adulthood Without Family Support
Youth who cannot call on family for help report significant obstacles when it comes to becoming self-sufficient. Eleanor Bell, 23, from East Riding of Yorkshire, who grew up in care from age 10, is one example. Although she achieved a first-class degree from the University of Central Lancashire two years ago, finding employment has not been easy. She explains that frequent rejections and living in a rural area outside Penistone in South Yorkshire complicate her job search, especially as she does not drive.
Eleanor points out that many of her peers have parental support, giving them a leg up in finding jobs and housing, while she is left without such advantages: “Everyone in their 20s is having to tread water, but I haven’t been given a buoyancy aid.” According to government data, 39% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 in England are not in education, employment or training—a stark contrast to the national rate of 13% for all young people.
She also stresses the emotional toll: “It’s not just about money—it’s not having someone to say, ‘I’ve done this before, it’s going to be OK.’ That lack of guidance really affects you.”
The Burden of Care and Financial Deficit
Sam Barrett, 24, from Sunderland, is both a part-time health and social care student and a carer for her mother, after having left her full-time hospitality job. Her main income consists of Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit, but together, these don’t cover her basic needs.
“I don’t buy any luxuries; I rarely do anything fun,” Sam says. While her mother helps when possible, their household finances are under considerable strain. She is frustrated by the inequality: “A lot of parents are able to give their kids money for driving lessons or a car—I’ve never had that.”
She also highlights the inadequate compensation for carers, adding, “I’m saving the government money by caring for my mam. The government aren’t doing anything to help you, they’re basically saying just get into debt.”
Debt and Housing Challenges Among Young Adults
A Citizens Advice survey involving over 5,500 respondents revealed that 36% of adults were behind on at least one bill, compared to 57% of those in their 20s. Ezgi Polat, 23, from Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, struggled significantly after losing her job last year. Her parents could not offer financial help, resulting in missed rent, utility, and council tax payments, with total debts reaching around £4,000.
While Ezgi was receiving £360 monthly via Universal Credit, her rent alone was £460, falling short of covering her necessities. Transport cuts made access to jobcentre services harder and led to further benefit deductions. Citizens Advice recently supported her as the council cleared her rent arrears and helped arrange payment plans for her bills. A warehouse job has since provided some stability, but she still faces misunderstanding from older generations, who she feels don’t always recognise the obstacles young people face.
Government data states that nearly one million young people are currently not in employment, education, or training.
How Government and Charities Are Responding
The government points to increased support in its current strategy: “We are determined to restore hope and deliver opportunity for young people in every postcode,” a spokesperson remarked. This includes a commitment of £2.5 billion for apprenticeships, job grants, and training, plus new measures for tenants in the Renters’ Rights Act.
Luke Young, Citizens Advice’s policy lead, sees a widening gulf: “For young people right now, the divide is growing bigger between those who have financial support from families and those who don’t. Young people without that wider network are being let down.”
As the stories of Eleanor, Sam, and Ezgi reveal, the hurdles continue to grow for UK young adults without family resources, particularly as rising costs and a tightening job market place further pressure—a challenge that social welfare on its own has not been able to sufficiently address.