More than 16 million people are thought to have missed a household bill payment this year, with more than two million doing so for the first time.
The Money and Pensions Service shared the findings to mark Talk Money Week which starts today.
In October, it commissioned a survey of more than 3,000 people across the UK, which found that 30% have missed at least one payment in 2023.
Credit card repayments were most commonly missed, followed by utilities, council tax and bank overdraft or loan.
Meanwhile, some missed rent or mortgage repayments.
MaPS is asking people to act now if they are struggling to make payments.
MaPS’s Charlotte Jackson said: “People are struggling this year and, as these results suggest, some household budgets are becoming severely stretched. This Talk Money Week, we’re asking people struggling with payments to ‘do one thing’ and act fast.
“If you think you’ll miss one, speak to your creditor, and if it’s already happened, it’s not too late to consider free debt advice.
“Acting now will help you get some control over what’s happening.”
Creditors may be able to offer a better tariff, a more flexible payment arrangement or charity help.
