EY Study Shows Debt Settlement Provided $19.8 Billion in Net Savings for 4.3 Million Americans
A new EY study commissioned by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) reveals that debt settlement programs have delivered significant financial benefits to millions of consumers across a decade-long period from 2016 to 2025. The analysis, based on data from ten companies and covering nearly three million clients, found that approximately $19.8 billion in net savings was achieved by around 4.3 million Americans who enrolled in these programs between 2016 and 2022. The study highlights an average debt reduction of 50%, with consumers saving about $6,370 after fees—equivalent to getting back $2.50 for every dollar paid in program costs. The findings align closely with Beyond Finance's own client outcomes report from 2025, which showed similar savings and settlement rates among its clients. These results reinforce the value of debt relief programs as a viable solution for consumers struggling with unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills.
Topics: Beyond Finance consumer savings debt settlement EY study