It does have a lot to do with total assets though.
Because at a certain point all assets(capital) generates its own money. It's the very basis of Capitalism.
Bill Gates total income didn't double during COVID. His assets just are worth a lot twice as much. Therefore he now is worth twice as much, and his assets generate twice as much wealth thereby compounding the issue.
Go look at places like cashnetusa. They're the only kind of places that will work with the people you described and they have like 400% interest rates.
You take out a loan of $1,000 and get trapped for years.