Cost of living

Introduction

If rising costs are making it difficult to pay for essentials, speak to your support worker, the organisation named on your rent statement or an independent advice service. Help depends on eligibility, the current programme and the person's agreed support plan.

Understanding living costs

Regular costs can include rent, service charges, food, utilities, travel, phone, clothing and personal expenses. Check which costs are included in your accommodation and support agreements and ask for an explanation of any charge you do not understand.

Check your housing costs

Ask the legal landlord or organisation issuing the charge for:

• a current rent and service-charge breakdown;
• which utilities and household costs are included;
• the payment date, reference and correct account details;
• the route for querying a charge or reporting financial difficulty.

Possible support

• Benefits: ask for help checking possible entitlements or use an independent benefits adviser. Read the benefits guide.
• Budgeting: ask whether practical budgeting support is included in your current support plan.
• Debt advice: contact an authorised free debt-advice service before agreeing a repayment plan you cannot afford.
• Local help: councils and community organisations may offer time-limited schemes. Eligibility and availability change.

Avoid scams

Do not send money or banking details in response to an unexpected message. Verify any change of payment details using a trusted telephone number from your signed documents or a previous statement.