MS means I have extra costs – and now prices are rising
As the cost of living is escalating, my wife and I are feeling the pinch. Prices are growing at a very fast rate, far quicker than income. We’re anxious about the future.
It was already hard financially
Like many others with MS, I can’t work and the only income I have is from benefits. As I need 24/7 care, my wife also struggles to find work as she can only commit to a few hours a week.
Carers allowance provides less than £10 a day for the care she gives. So before the cost of living crisis, it was already tricky to make ends meet.
I have to charge my power chair every day
The energy prices are quite scary. Then we have the added worry as we watch the food prices increase day by day.
I use a power chair and a hoist to move me from my bed to the power chair. We have to charge both of these daily. And we need our flat to be warm or the cold affects my symptoms.
We’re being careful about what we buy and prioritising what we need. It’s taking its toll on our mental health. We’re trying to stay positive, but when you’re having to make these choices it’s hard.
I’m forced to make tough choices
Unfortunately, because of the exact benefits I get, I wasn’t eligible for the cost of living payment earlier in the year to help with extra price rises. The benefits I’m on haven’t increased even slightly since the cost of living has increased.
Read more about the cost of living payment on the government's website
So like others in the MS community, I’m forced to make tough decisions about how to spread the income we have. We’ve unplugged everything in the house that absolutely does not need to plugged in, including lighting.
We’ve made different decisions about food. We spend a lot of time with a calculator working out where would be cheaper to buy food and who is offering the best deals at the time. I already have problems with fatigue!
We need to speak out
October will see a new set of energy price rises. This will plunge people in the MS community who are already struggling into an even worse position. At some point, something will have to be done to help people with disabilities and extra needs.
It is important to campaign, add your signature to this petition and speak out.
We need to stop this getting more out of control.
Tell the UK Government: it’s time to act
Sign our petition to call on the UK Government to urgently roll out a new cost of living package to support people with MS to survive the winter and beyond.
You don't have to face challenges alone. Find out about extra financial support you could get, as well as disability benefits.
You can also speak to our MS Benefits Advisor through our MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000 or email [email protected].
