Introduction 

The current cost of living crisis means that the price of things people need such as food and energy is going up quickly. This is having a big impact on lots of disabled people in the UK, as wages and benefits are not going up at the same speed. The cost of care has also increased. For many, this situation is anxiety provoking. It is understandable to be worried about money, and how to pay for things.  

Our Policy Team has been monitoring the schemes the Government has been introducing to support  people  to deal with the crisis, and have put together the below guide so you can find what support you can receive and guidance on how to access it 

Energy 

The rising price of energy is the main cause of this crisis. It is having a knock-on effect on other businesses and causing an increase in prices everywhere. The ‘energy price cap’ is the limit of how much energy companies can charge for gas and electricity. This number can increase 4 times a year. For the period of 1 January to 31 March 2023 the cap will increase to £4279.  

The government paid low-income households two cost of living payments totalling £650 last year. These were used to support the households who were struggling the most with rising prices. The government has announced that it will be releasing more payments this year of up to £1350. 

Many disabled people received a payment of £150 in September 2022. The government will be paying another £150 this summer. You will receive the payment if you are receiving one of the following benefits: Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement. You will receive the payment how you normally receive benefits, there is no need for you to take action. 

If you cannot pay your energy bills, Ofgem has a useful guide on their website. This shows you how to contact your supplier and arrange an alternative payment plan. As well as giving you information on what schemes and options are available to you.  

The government has suggested that it may release more plans to help people with the cost of energy, we will publish a new story when this happens. For more information on cost-of-living payments, the charity Scope has created a useful guide. 

Disabled people and those with a long-term health condition, including autistic people, are eligible for the ‘Priority Services Register.’ 

 To be put on the register you will need to contact your gas and electricity suppliers. Give them your contact details and as much information as you can about your needs. Your suppliers will be able to pass your details onto your network operator to add you to their register too. Being on the priority register means you are entitled to things like extra support if there is a power cut, or somebody being sent to check your meter regularly. More information can be found here: Getting extra support from your energy supplier - Citizens Advice 

Water 

If you are receiving any of the benefits above, you will be able to apply for help with your water bills. This scheme is called WaterSure. To apply for this scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children. To find out more information, such as how to apply, visit this page on the Citizens Advice website.  

Benefits 

Costs are rising, but unfortunately, benefits are not rising at the same speed. If you receive benefits this might mean that you are finding your money doesn’t last as long. It is really important that you make sure that you are receiving all benefits that you are entitled to. The charity Turn2Us have released a useful tool that you can use this work out if you are missing out on any benefits you could be getting.   

Food shopping 

Rising costs may mean that you have noticed the things you usually buy are more expensive now. This might mean you need to make sure you are budgeting so that you can still buy some of the things you like, whilst also ensuring you have everything you need. You can visit the ‘managing money’ page on our website for advice on how to budget. Similarly, if you would like further advice Which? has a really useful guide for budgeting in the cost-of-living crisis. 

Food banks 

If you find that you are  struggling to afford enough food to eat you can  visit a food bank. These are places where you can get free or cheap food.  Many food banks will require you to get a referral. The Citizens Advice Bureau can make a referral for you on their website. They also have lots of information on how to use a food bank. Some people may feel reluctant to reach out for help but food banks are there for those that need them and it is important that you seek a referral if you feel you need one. 

Debt 

If you are worried about debt, or feel at risk of getting into debt problems, there are various options available to support you. The Citizens Advice Bureau has a guide on their website which discusses all of the plans and options which you could take. You are also be able to get advice directly from an adviser on their site. If you would prefer to talk to an adviser on the phone you can call the Debt Advice Foundation on 0800 043 40 50. They are a charity offering free confidential support and advice to anyone worried about debt. You can find out more about them on our website. 

Household support fund 

The government has provided funding for local councils to help families that are struggling financially. This is allowing councils to provide assistance for food, fuel, water and other essentials, and other essentials. Each county is responsible for distributing the funding, it is therefore important you check your local council's website and search ‘Household Support Fund’ to find more information. 

Where to find advice 

You may find some of the below links to be useful in helping you with budgeting and other cost saving advice. 

• Money Saving Expert - This website from Martin Lewis includes advice on all things personal finance. He has written a Cost of Living survival guide which is incredibly useful for anyone who needs advice. 

• Which? - This website has helpful information on how to save money. Including topics such as food shopping, energy bills, and mobile phone contracts. 

• Citizens Advice – The Citizens Advice Bureau has a thorough webpage of advice on cost of living. They’ve provided detailed advice on benefits, budgeting, debt and everything else finance related. You will also be able to speak to an adviser if you would like to discuss anything. 

• Scope – The charity Scope have launched a Disability Energy Support Scheme. They are offering support from an energy adviser, either over email or in a 45-minute telephone meeting. If you have any concerns about paying your bills, they can help with information as well as creating a Personalised Action Plan 

• Ambitious about Autism – Ambitious have created with input from autistic young people, resources for autistic children/young people and those who support them.