We understand that the news about the cost of living crisis at the moment is very scary and distressing - that's why we've committed to providing information about what support is out there for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.
Our benefits and social care team can give information,
support, and advice about the Cost Of Living.
They can find out what benefits you are entitled to, and also issue foodbank vouchers.
Just get in touch at benefits@sheffieldmegroup.co.uk
or call 0114 253 6700 / 07753 948 186
What other support is out there?
If you are claiming a low-income benefit and think that you are entitled to a Cost Of Living Payment, you don't need to do anything. You'll get the payments automatically. To find out more visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment
If you are on an eligible disability benefit in payment on any day between April 26 and May 25 2022, you will receive a one-off payment of £150 in September.
If you’re a pensioner entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household paid with your normal payment from November 2022.
Under the Energy Bills Support Scheme, everyone will get a £400 discount to energy bills this winter.
If you use a prepayment meter to pay for your electricity, make sure your supplier has your up-to-date contact details so you can get the £400 energy discount. Find out more from Citizens Advice here.
If you are not able to pay your energy bills and get into debt, you should contact your supplier to negotiate a repayment plan. This is where you and your supplier negotiate how much of the debt you are able to repay per month. It may help to work out your household budget, so you can show your supplier how much money you have left each month after you have paid your essential bills. Citizens Advice has a useful tool for working our your household budget.
Many energy companies have signed up to the Energy UK Vulnerability Commitment, which means that they cannot disconnect you at any time of year if you have a disability or long term health condition. In most cases, instead of disconnecting people, energy suppliers will install prepayment meters. Your supplier cannot install a prepayment meter if it would be harmful due to a health condition or disability, for example, if you would not be able to go to the shop to buy a top-up due to a mobility issue.
Anyone with a long term health condition can signed up to your energy provider's Priority Services Register for additional support. Find out more from Ofgem here.
If you're on a low income, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals, transport and uniform. Find out more from Citizens Advice here.
If you are struggling to afford food and other essentials, you may get support from the Hardship Support Fund. Find out more from Sheffield City Council here.
You can use a benefits calculator to check whether there are any benefits you're entitled to. We recommend: benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/
Find more information about benefits for disability and low income on our website here:
You are not alone, and help is out there. If you are struggling to make ends meet or need support with a benefits application form, please don't hesitate to get in touch.