My Cost of Living just keeps increasing
My Cost of Living just keeps increasing, from food shops to utility bills. I’ve made cutbacks and just about been managing, but I don’t know how I’ll cope now it’s started getting colder. What should I do?
It’s important to know you’re certainly not alone and there is support available.
Firstly make sure you know what you’ve got coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice has an online budgeting tool that will help. .
Secondly find out if you’re eligible for any benefits, even if you’re working. On the Citizens Advice website there’s a benefits calculator with advice on how to reduce living costs and increase income. .
Thirdly there’s already help with increasing energy bills. From 1st October there’s a limit on gas and electricity prices for most households - this is called the Energy Price Guarantee and it’s in place for two years.
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Also from October you’ll receive £400 off your electricity bill through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. The money will be paid in six instalments so you’ll get £66 in October and November, then £67 in December, January, February and March.
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You should automatically receive the money if you pay by direct debit, standard credit or payment card. .
If you have a prepayment meter that isn’t a smart meter then you’ll get the discount via vouchers or an automatic credit when you top up at your usual top-up point.
If you have a smart prepayment meter, the credit should be added to your meter automatically. .
Your supplier will let you know how they’ll issue it so contact them if any problems, or if you really can’t pay, as they have a responsibility to help you come up with a solution. .
If you need 1-1 advice contact your local Citizens Advice or call our Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.
