Debt, Financial Hardship and the Cost of Living Crisis

Carron Huggett
2 hours ago
4 min read

Support for Deaf, Deafblind People and the Wider Community

The cost of living continues to rise. Food, rent, fuel, electricity, water, transport and everyday essentials are becoming more expensive, and many people are struggling to keep up.

For some people, debt has built up slowly over time. For others, it happened suddenly after losing work, illness, relationship breakdown, disability, or unexpected bills. Financial stress can affect anyone — deaf people, deafblind people, disabled people, working families, and those receiving benefits.

Debt can also seriously affect mental health. Anxiety, depression, sleepless nights and isolation are common when money worries become overwhelming. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed, but you are not alone.

The most important thing is this:

Do Not Ignore Debt

Ignoring letters, phone calls, emails or rent arrears will usually make the situation worse. The first step is often the hardest, but asking for help early can prevent bigger problems later.

Even small actions can make a big difference:

Opening your letters
Checking your bank statements
Creating a budget
Asking for support
Speaking to your energy supplier
Contacting a debt charity
Applying for benefits you may be entitled to

Taking action is a sign of strength, not failure.

Create a Simple Budget

A budget helps you understand:

What money is coming in
What money is going out
Where you may be overspending
What debts need priority attention

Priority bills usually include:

Rent or mortgage
Council tax
Gas and electricity
Water
Food
Childcare
Court fines

Many people are shocked when they first write everything down, but budgeting gives you control again.

Useful budgeting tools:

Ways to Reduce Costs

There are practical ways to reduce spending without going without essentials.

Household Savings Ideas

Compare energy providers regularly
Turn off unused appliances
Batch cook meals
Use shopping lists
Check for cheaper phone or broadband contracts
Cancel subscriptions you no longer use
Use cashback and loyalty schemes carefully
Buy second-hand where possible
Speak to your council about support schemes

Energy Bills

Many people do not realise:

If your energy account is in credit, you may be able to ask for a refund
You can ask suppliers for payment plans
Some suppliers offer hardship grants and support funds

Do not wait until bills become unmanageable.

Universal Credit and Housing Costs

Many people wrongly believe Universal Credit always covers their full rent.

In reality, housing support often does not cover the full amount, meaning tenants must pay the shortfall themselves. This can quickly lead to rent arrears and debt.

If you are struggling:

Speak to your housing officer or landlord early
Check whether you can apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Get benefits advice

Useful support:

Citizens Advice Debt and Benefits Help

Understanding PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

PIP is designed to help disabled people manage the extra costs of daily living and mobility.

It is important to remember:

PIP is not “free money”
It is intended to support disability-related needs and daily living costs
Using it wisely can help maintain independence and stability

We know everyone deserves small treats and enjoyment in life, but when finances are difficult, careful spending becomes even more important.

Employment and Increasing Income

We understand that not everyone can work due to disability, health conditions, caring responsibilities or other personal circumstances.

However, for those who are able to work, employment can:

Increase income
Improve confidence and independence
Reduce reliance on benefits
Create long-term financial stability
Improve wellbeing and social connection

Even part-time work, flexible work or supported employment can make a positive difference.

For deaf and deafblind people, workplace adjustments and communication support may be available.

Support for Deaf and Deafblind People

Many deaf and deafblind people face additional barriers when dealing with debt:

Phone calls can be inaccessible
Financial jargon can be confusing
Meetings can feel overwhelming
Communication support is not always provided

Carron PA Support can help advocate and support deaf and deafblind people with:

Meetings
Phone calls
Emails
Forms
Financial communication
Accessing services
Understanding letters and bills

You do not have to face financial problems alone.

Free Debt Advice and Support

There are trusted organisations that provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support.

National Support

Citizens Advice offers guidance on debt, rent arrears, energy bills and benefits support.

StepChange provides free debt advice, budgeting help and debt solutions for people across the UK.

National Debtline is an independent debt advice charity helping people in the UK with debt for over 30 years.

Local Support

Final Thoughts

Debt can happen to anyone.

Rising costs, illness, disability, relationship breakdowns, unemployment and unexpected life events can all lead to financial hardship. Asking for help is not weakness.