Financial hardship is delaying life milestones for young people

New research from Trussell has highlighted the growing impact that financial hardship is having on young people across the UK, with many being forced to delay important milestones and cut back on everyday essentials.

A survey of more than 4,700 people aged 16 to 25 found that financial pressures are affecting everything from moving out of the family home and learning to drive, to progressing careers and accessing further education.

Almost half (47%) of young people said financial pressures had delayed them moving out of their parents’ home, while the same proportion said they had been forced to delay learning to drive. More than half (55%) said financial pressures had delayed their ability to buy a home.

For young people who experienced financial hardship while growing up, the barriers are even greater. They are almost twice as likely to be not in education, employment or training (NEET) compared with those who did not experience hardship – 27% compared with 15%.

Young people are also going without essentials

The research shows that financial hardship isn’t simply about being unable to afford major life milestones. Many young people are struggling to afford basic essentials.

31% of young people – equivalent to around 2.5 million people aged 16–25 – said they had cut back on food in the previous three months so they could afford other essentials. Among those who experienced financial hardship growing up, this rose to 52%.

The research also found that:

• 18% had skipped meals so they could afford to travel to work or school.
• 14% had gone without essential toiletries, such as shampoo, toothpaste or sanitary products, so they could afford food or utilities.
• Among young people who experienced financial hardship growing up, 32% had skipped meals and 33% had gone without essential toiletries.

The findings come alongside figures showing that food banks in the Trussell community provided 240,000 emergency food parcels to 17–24-year-olds in 2025, a 53% increase compared with 2019.

Everyone deserves a fair start in life

Young adulthood should be a time when people are building their independence, starting careers and looking towards the future. But for many young people, financial insecurity is making this increasingly difficult.

At Hart Foodbank, we know that financial hardship can affect people at any stage of life. Behind every request for support is an individual or family facing circumstances that can make it difficult to afford everyday essentials.

The latest research from Trussell highlights why tackling financial hardship is so important – and why ensuring people have enough income to afford the essentials should be at the heart of efforts to end the need for food banks.

If you are struggling to afford food or essential household costs, support is available. You can find out more about getting help from Hart Foodbank on our website.

Research source: Trussell, “Financial hardship delaying major life milestones for young people”, published 26 August 2026.

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