In 2020, 1,102 over-indebtedness files were filed in Iédom This number is down 15% over one year, due to travel restrictions during the lockdown period. The amount of debts is less than 16,000 euros for half of the files.
Over recent years, the number of over-indebted households in Reunion evolves around 1,200 cases per year. Their share in the population is lower in Reunion than in mainland France, while the population is poorer. This apparent paradox can be explained by the socio-cultural specificities of Reunion Island. (notably stronger family or community solidarity), estimates Iédom. otherwise, low-income households, more numerous in Reunion, have less access to bank credit (which requires a minimum of solvency) mainly present in situations of over-indebtedness.
If the number of cases has progressed little in recent years, the situations they depict evolve. Situations of over-indebtedness linked to the accumulation of consumer credit have been decreasing for ten years. On the other hand, current charges debts are increasing, revealing increased difficulties for certain households in coping with the burdens of daily life.
Over the years, the over-indebtedness procedure focuses on more financially fragile people, more marked trend in Réunion and reflecting greater precariousness of the population. The proportion of unemployed among over-indebted people is therefore twice as high on the island as in France. (49% compared to 26% in 2020) like the overall unemployment rate. This financial fragility also concerns single women who represent 45% of over-indebted households in Reunion Island. (including 27% of single mothers with children compared to 18% in mainland France) compared to 29% for single men and 22% for couples.
