Struggling to afford the essentials? Here’s where you can get help

If you're finding it hard to pay for basics like food, heating or toiletries, you're far from alone. Millions of households across the UK are facing the same challenge.

New research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) shows an estimated 7.4 million low-income households couldn't afford at least one essential item during the past six months.

That's the highest figure since the charity began tracking the cost of living in 2021, up from 7.1m a year earlier.

The findings are based on a survey of 4,121 households in the lowest 40% of incomes, carried out between 7 May and 5 June.

Who is most affected?

According to the research, you're more likely to struggle to afford essentials if your household:

• receives universal credit
• is headed by someone aged under 25
• is headed by someone from a Black or mixed ethnic background
• includes someone who isn't a UK citizen
• has three or more children
• is a single-parent family

Among households claiming universal credit, 84% said they had been unable to afford at least one essential item in the previous six months.

The essentials included:

• food
• heating
• basic toiletries
• suitable clothing and shoes

The JRF is calling on the government to make essentials more affordable by improving universal credit, tackling high energy costs and controlling rents.

What you can do if you're short of money

If you're worried about paying for the essentials, there may be support available. Here are some of the options you could consider.

Avoid payday loans 

When money is tight, it can be tempting to borrow from a payday lender or, even worse, a loan shark.

While this might seem like a quick fix, it can leave you paying back much more than you borrowed and make your financial situation even harder.

Before taking out expensive credit, check whether one of the safer options below could help.

Consider a credit union

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial co-operatives owned by their members.

If you become a member, you may be able to:

• borrow money at a lower interest rate than many other lenders
• build up savings
• access financial guidance and support

If you need to borrow, a credit union is usually a much safer option than a payday lender.

Find a credit union in your area.

Check if you can get a government budgeting loan

You may qualify for a budgeting loan if you've been receiving certain benefits for at least 26 weeks. You only have to pay back the amount you borrow, and repayments are taken automatically from your benefits.

You can use a budgeting loan to help pay for essential costs such as:

• furniture
• household appliances
• essential travel within the UK
• maternity expenses
• moving costs
• funeral expenses

Check the government's eligibility rules and application process to see if you can apply.

You may be able to get a hardship payment

If your benefits have been reduced or stopped because of a sanction, you may be able to apply for a hardship payment.

These payments do have to be repaid, but they can provide short-term help if you're struggling to cover essential costs.

You must:

• have reduced your non-essential costs
• have looked into other ways to get support
• be able to prove that you need the support

If you’re in a couple, both of you must both agree to getting a hardship payment.

If you're claiming universal credit, contact your local Jobcentre Plus to find out if you're eligible.

Ask about a benefit advance

If you're waiting for a benefit payment and don't have enough money to manage in the meantime, you may be able to get a benefit advance.

This lets you receive some of your benefit early, although you'll usually repay it through deductions from your future payments.

Speak to your local Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible to find out whether you can apply.

Food banks

Food banks give people who urgently need help a few days’ supply of food, toiletries and baby items. They can also provide vouchers for gas and electricity if you’re on a prepayment meter.

You usually need to be referred by a local community organisation such as Citizens Advice or your GP.

Contact your local food bank to find out how to get help.

Baby banks

If you’re struggling to pay for essentials for your baby, a baby bank may be able to help.

They provide things like clothes, toiletries, formula, nappies, wipes and toys.

Like food banks, you’ll need to be referred to get help. You may be able to get a referral from your midwife, support worker, health visitor, food bank, children’s centre or social worker.

You can find your local baby bank by:

• using the interactive map on Little Village 
• entering your postcode on netmums

Emergency help with utility bills

If you're finding it difficult to afford the essentials, it's important to ask for help as early as possible. Whether it's support through the benefits system, a low-cost loan from a credit union or advice from your local Jobcentre Plus, getting help sooner can stop money problems from becoming more serious.