I’m worried about my debt and rising bills, and I want to know what support is available. Do you have any advice on managing bills and what to do if you fall into debt?
With energy, water and broadband bills rising, it’s getting increasingly difficult for many people to cover their expenses. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and that financial support might be available to help ease the burden.
Checking benefits eligibility
Many eligible people don’t claim the benefits that are available to them, so it’s important to understand what you’re entitled to. You may be able to claim benefits if, for example, you’re working age and on a low income, you’re sick or disabled, are of State Pension age with a low income or no income, or if you’re a carer.
You can check the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) for information on what benefits you might be eligible for.
Reducing outgoings
If you claim benefits or are on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax. Discounts can also be given to other people eg. students, those living with a carer, or people who live alone. If you have children, you may qualify for free school meals, transport to school, or support with the uniform costs.
To reduce other expenses, you may be able to switch to a cheaper broadband deal, get a water meter fitted, or access discounted travel. You can find out more about ways to get help, including advice on saving money on heating, on the Citizens Advice website.
Creating a budget and prioritising bills
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of bills, budgeting tools like the one on the MoneyHelper website can help you understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. If you’re behind on bills, you should prioritise paying rent, mortgage payments, Council Tax and energy bills, as these are known as ‘priority’ debts which have the most serious consequences if missed.
Once you’ve got priority debts under control, you should look at credit card or store card debts, missed Buy Now Pay Later payments or payday loans. Whatever debt you’re dealing with, it’s important to speak to the person or company you owe money to as early as you can. You could show them a copy of your budget to let them know what your financial situation is and see if there are any steps you can take to start dealing with your debt.
Just remember, there’s lots of help out there and you’re not alone. If you need help with debt you could get in touch with us or another organisation like StepChange. Please look at the Citizens Advice website first if you can. If you need further help please call us on 0808 800 0510 (Monday and Tuesday 10am to 4pm; Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 12.30pm). You can use our local website (www. citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk) to complete our email form.
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