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Dealing with the rising cost of living

Important costs like energy, food and rent are rising steeply. If you're worried about being able to afford to keep up with important payments as you take your next steps, we're here to help.

Millions of people across the UK are struggling to cover their essential household costs nowadays. The 'cost of living crisis' means we’re all paying a lot more for energy and food, and things like rent and fuel.

How can I reduce the impact of this crisis on my finances

  1. Put together a budget
  2. Understand what bills are the most important
  3. See if you can increase the amount of money you’ve got coming in
  4. Look at ways to reduce your spending
  5. Apply for grants and funding to help with rising energy bills
  6. Get help from government schemes

I'm completing my advice or setting up a solution

If you’ve received a recommendation from us recently but haven’t selected or set up a solution, you can change details on income, spending and debts.

To see your personal action plan, check your details or find out how to go ahead with your solution, log in here.

 

I'm already on a debt solution

We hope you find it reassuring to know we’re helping our clients through this difficult situation. We have information to help if you’re finding it difficult to keep to your current budget or debt solution.

Importantly, we understand if you’re worried about the situation. However, if you don’t yet know what impact these price rises will have on your finances, it may be better to wait until you know more before you contact us.

tick icon DMP clients: If you’re struggling due to increased living costs, we’ll work with you to ensure this continues to be the best solution for you, and that your payments are affordable. You can complete a review of your budget through OnlineDMP

tick icon DPP clients: If you’ve found you have much less money available, or you have no money left over, contact us to review. A crisis break or payment break may help in the short-term until we can understand how the changes in April have impacted you

tick icon IVA clients: If you’re struggling due to the rising increased prices and costs, contact us. We’ll work with you to ensure an IVA continues to be the best solution for your circumstances

tick icon Clients on other solutions: Take time to review your situation using the helpful links further up this page. Contact us if you need support or a review of your debt solution

One-off payments to support people with the rising cost of energy bills

As part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme, £400 is available for all households to help with rising energy bills, regardless of income or size of house.

The discount will be made automatically by your energy supplier. There is no need to apply.

Households receive the £400 in 6 instalments:

  • £66 in October and November
  • £67 a month from December to March 2023

These payments apply to all households in England, Scotland and Wales.

How the payment is made in Northern Ireland is still being decided.

How will I receive the support?

I pay by direct debit

If you pay by direct debit you'll get an automatic deduction on your bill.

I have a prepayment meter

If you have a “smart” prepayment meter you’ll get a monthly top-up on your account.

If you have a “non-smart” prepayment meter you’ll receive a discount voucher. This will be in the first week of each month, via text, email or in the post.

The voucher can be redeemed in person at your usual top-up point.

The Department of Work & Pensions will make two lump sum payments in July and later in the autumn to people on a range of benefits.

This tax-free payment will not affect any existing benefits. It applies to households who already get, or have begun a successful claim for, the following benefits by 25 May 2022:

  • Universal Credit
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Pension Credit

Households that receive the Winter Fuel Payment will get this on top of any other support they’re entitled to. This tax-free payment won’t affect any other entitlements.

For most people this will be paid by direct debit.

A one-off, tax-free payment will be made in September to people who receive the following benefits:

  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Scottish Disability Benefits
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • War Pension Mobility Supplement

It will be paid directly through benefits.

For more information visit Gov.UK.

The Household Support Fund, provided by local authorities, has been increased by £500 million and extended until March 2023.

The fund helps households most in need to pay for essentials such as food and utilities.

To find out more and apply, contact your local council

These one off payments won't affect your debt solution. You should use the money to help pay priority debts and bills.

Who else can I ask for help?

If you’re struggling with energy bill costs National Energy Action (NEA) can help. They offer a free support to people in England and Wales to help with their energy bills and keeping warm and safe in their home.

If you find it difficult to pay your energy bills, whether you pay monthly or have a pre-payment meter, visit the Fuelbank Foundation. They have a wealth of information to help you.

If you can’t afford to pay for food, find your local foodbank. The largest foodbank organisation in the UK is the Trussell Trust. It has over 1,200 foodbanks across the country. You can use their website to find your local foodbank. There are also smaller organisations running foodbanks too.

If you’re finding it too much to cope with, please contact Samaritans or another mental health organisation. They’re here to listen.