Knowledge Tree
court debt
Facts (12)
Sources
The Impacts of Individual and Household Debt on Health and Well ... apha.org Oct 25, 2021 12 facts
measurement43% of individuals with court debt also carry unpaid medical debts.
perspectiveThe American Public Health Association (APHA) policy brief recommends that city and county courts cancel court debt older than one year, reduce child support debt, and eliminate or reduce fines and fees that disproportionately burden low-income and BIPOC communities.
measurement10% of individuals earning less than $40,000 report having court debt, compared to 3% of individuals earning more than $100,000.
perspectiveCity and county courts should cancel court debt that is more than one year old, reduce child support debt, and eliminate or reduce the use of fines and fees that create disproportionate burdens for low-income and BIPOC communities.
measurementPeople with low incomes are more likely to experience legal financial obligations and court debt, with 10% of those earning less than $40,000 reporting court debt compared to 3% of those earning more than $100,000.
measurement43% of individuals with court debt also carry unpaid medical debts.
perspectiveThe American Public Health Association recommends that city and county courts cancel court debt that is more than one year old, reduce child support debt, and eliminate or reduce fines and fees that create disproportionate burdens for low-income and BIPOC communities.
measurement43% of individuals with court debt also have unpaid medical debts, illustrating how court debt adds to existing financial burdens for low-income people.
measurementLegal financial obligations and court debt are more prevalent among low-income individuals: 10% of those earning less than $40,000 report having court debt, compared to 3% of those earning more than $100,000.
measurementIn 2019, 12% of Black adults and 9% of Hispanic adults had court debt, compared to 5% of White adults.
measurementIn 2019, 12% of Black adults and 9% of Hispanic adults had court debt, compared to 5% of White adults.
measurementIn 2019, 12% of Black adults and 9% of Hispanic adults had court debt, compared to 5% of White adults, indicating that court debt is more likely to be imposed on Black and Hispanic people.