What is the cost of living crisis?

The cost of living crisis is a situation in which the cost of basic, essential items such as food and energy bills have increased rapidly in a short period of time, and much faster than average household wages.

This means that millions of people in the UK suddenly find themselves struggling to pay for basic items such as gas and electricity, rent, fuel for the car and food because these things are a lot more expensive now.

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Updated: 26th March 2023

A hub of advice and support for people and families with disabilities

Following a package of measures unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, means-tested benefit claimants including recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and tax credits will receive extra support from the Spring.

The money will be made available to around eight million people while over six million people living with disabilities will also receive a separate £150.

Specific dates are TBC

£301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
£150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
£300 – Second Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
£300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
£299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024

We strongly advise you to check your benefit eligibility using the calculator below

to ensure you are claiming from all the correct sources.

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Did you know that our Learning Disability Helpline in England are now offering cost of living advice and support for people with a Learning Disability, their families, and other people in the same household.

The cost-of-living advice and support includes:

Energy Advice – staying warm and safe.
Benefits Advice, including checking entitlement and advising on challenging decisions and reconsiderations.
Help to budget and maximise income.
Free home energy surveys.
Debt advice.
Housing advice if the home is at risk, or if paying rent is becoming a problem.
Help to access food banks.
Supporting people to speak with their energy suppliers.
Advice on the Priority Services Register.