Cost of Living

The price of everyday essentials is going up. You’ve probably noticed it at the supermarket and in your monthly bills. Inflation and interest rate rises mean that your money might not stretch as far as it used to.

Overall, nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK adults have been concerned about a friend, family member or colleague’s mental wellbeing, linked to money worries.

The most common signs of worry noticed included changes in mood, temperament and trouble sleeping, as well as being anxious or lacking in confidence to contact creditors.

You can use the MECC approach to look out for these signs and enable people to access help, guidance and advice on mental health, debt and money management. This section has been designed to enable people to take action, this could include claiming extra benefits they may be entitled to in order to increase personal and household income.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

I'm here to listen and help. How can I assist you today?

Keep in mind the Cost of Living Crisis – “A lot of people are in a facing financial difficulties, you are not alone.”

Can you briefly describe your current financial situation?

Look out for keywords and problems and use verbal prompts to find out key financial issues:

I suddenly have no money:

(Lost job / benefits stopped / emergency expenses (due to fire, flood, loss of money) / experiencing relationship breakdown / no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

See options 1, 2, 3 and NRFP option 8 only under the Assist section.

I'm waiting on a benefit payment/decision:

(New claim made for benefit / delayed benefits / waiting for benefit decision to be reassessed)

See option 1 under the Assist section.

My money does not stretch far enough:

(Deciding between food and fuel / on low income or zero-hours contract / unsure if you are eligible to claim for benefit / change of circumstances (e.g., bereavement, illness, new baby, reduction in benefit) / unsure how to manage your money/overspending?)

See options 3, 4, 6, 7 under the Assist section.

I have debt:

(Rent, council tax, gas or electricity arrears / payday/high-cost loans or owe friends & family / overdue benefit repayments)

See options 3, 5, and 6 under the Assist section.

I have other problems that are affecting how I manage my money:

(Mental health / domestic abuse / homelessness / addiction / gambling)

See the Other Support section at the bottom of the Assist section.

What are your main sources of income?

Seek information on the individuals employment status, benefits, investments, and any additional financial support they may be receiving.

Look for nuances in their responses, such as employment stability, types of benefits, or other significant income streams. Understanding these details will enable you to provide more targeted assistance and connect them with the appropriate support services.

I'd like to make sure I provide you with the best support possible. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your financial situation?

Encourage the individual to express any details or concerns they feel are important but may not have been covered in previous questions, sharing specific aspects of their financial challenges, goals, or unique circumstances.

Assist

1. Benefits advance and hardship payment

If you have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment you may be able to get an advance. This will have to be paid back. If you have no money because of a sanction, you may be able to claim a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back, but hardship payments of JSA or ESA do not. You should get advice before accessing either of these.

Who can help? Citizens Advice Bureau | GOV.UK | DWP