Fifty percent of us are worrying about the cost of living crisis.
The scale of the crisis is that for the first time, winter problems we usually help people with are coming up in the summer, like struggling to pay for energy.
Whilst heating our homes is less of a problem in the summer, keeping fridges on, lights on, and medical equipment running for people with disabilities is becoming harder and harder.
Our latest insight is that in October when the next rise in the cap happens, 1 in 4 won’t be able to afford their energy bills, and can’t make ends meet. We will see that going to 1 in 3 people in January 2023.
Traditionally, Citizens Advice has helped people on benefits, but now we are seeing a big hike in the number of people who need us who are in work and poor. For the first time, lots of people on wages above the limit for Universal Credit payments are needing help too.
The Cost of Living Crisis is changing our lives. Some people can’t afford top-up meter credit for their gas and electric, others just don’t know how to pay for food.
How we can help you:
- If you are in a food emergency, please call our food helpline on 01494 785660.
- Have a benefits check and check whether you are entitled to benefits- you can perform a quick check before calling us by visiting Benefits Calculator – entitledto – independent | accurate | reliable , you can then apply by contacting our Help to Claim team: 0800 144 8444.
- If your debts are getting on top of you, please get in touch with us, we can help you put in place an affordable repayment plan. Get advice
- Take a look at what you are paying for everything and look at how you can save money- most suppliers if you ring them and haggle will let you reduce prices.
- Take a look at the national advice from Citizens Advice on: Get help with the cost of living – Citizens Advice
Whatever you do, don’t go through this alone.
Ask for help- from friends, family, neighbours, even your workplace. Lots of employers are arranging cost of living bonuses.
Raising the issues in your workplace might not get you an instant payrise, but it will highlight to employers that they need to be doing something to help.
If it is effecting your mental health- please do get in touch- don’t suffer in silence- we can help you.
Can you help us to help more people by donating?
If you are looking to make a difference to the lives of people affected by the cost of living crisis, you can donate today to help someone in need. Your donation could make the difference between a person being able to eat, or not eat, the decision between heating their homes or going cold this winter. Donate today.
