People in poor health are struggling more than others with the cost of living
The cost crisis is not inflicting pain equally. Some groups of Citizens Advice clients are struggling more than others.
In its latest cost-of-living data dashboard* national Citizens Advice summarised advice given to people with health or disability issues:
- In March 2023 the network helped a record number of disabled people with cost-of-living issues.
- Over 60% of people needing crisis support were disabled or had a long-term health condition (compared with 45% for all issues).
- Food bank referrals in March also reached record levels.
Up to half of Citizens Advice clients in Epsom & Ewell in an average year have a disability or chronic ill-health. Consistently more of them need help with personal independence payment than other benefits. During 2022-23 their concern moved towards questions of eligibility (chart). The disability of half the clients seeking this help was a mental health condition.
Citizens Advice data show single parents, private renters, ethnic minorities and the self-employed also more affected by the cost crisis than other groups.
Recognising the difficulty facing disabled people the government has announced a new one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment**. This will be paid automatically to people receiving a range of disability benefits.
NOTE You can read more about government support on Help with the cost of living page.
* Data Dashboard: CoL crisis harder for some than others, Citizens Advice, June 2023
** Over six million disabled people start receiving £150 Cost of Living payment, Department of Work and Pensions, 20/06/23.