advice from our Support Team
Mel - caba's Benefit Advisor and Support Officer
From energy costs to increased phone bills, we’re all feeling the pinch this April. But what might be a marginal increase for some, will be what tips others over the edge.
At the start of April, Ofgem will increase the energy price cap to £1849 per year for a typical household. This is a 6.4% increase compared to the previous price cap. Alongside this, the UK government is increasing the threshold cap for local councils to raise their council tax bill, averaging at a 5% increase to council tax for many.
Then to top it off, water bills, phone tariffs and Wi-Fi packages are all set to increase for millions in the UK this April, creating a detrimental cost of living increase for many.
Here’s what you can do to help tackle these rises:
what to do if you’re struggling to afford your monthly bills
controlling what you can
prioritise your essential bills
Start by prioritising your essential bills that carry the largest consequence if not tackled. If you rent or have a mortgage, falling behind on payments could result in eviction. Be open with your landlord or bank to work out a plan. Additionally, don’t ignore your council tax, as they can take legal action if not paid.
To help you prioritise your monthly bills, MoneyHelper has a great tool to get you started.
have a budget plan
Make sure your money is stretching as far as it can go and being spent where necessary by keeping a monthly budget plan. Knowing what you’ve got coming in and going out each month is valuable for making sure that you're not to overspent in a certain area.
Whilst a budget can feel like hard work to keep up to date with, our simple, ready-made budget template can help you.
get control of your debts
We understand that being in debt is a deeply personal matter that's difficult to talk about. However, it's important that you open up to your creditors, so plans can be put in place to stop the situation from snowballing. We can support you through the process and help negotiate on your behalf.
If you need debt support, head over to our resources to help you get back in control.
maximise your income
To find out which benefits you may be entitled to, use the benefits calculator to help get you started:
Sometimes benefit entitlement applications are refused on incorrect grounds. If this happens to you, we can help with an appeal to the DWP.
check the Household Support Fund
Local councils have a Household Support Fund to help with essential costs such as food, energy, utility and essential items for low-income individuals and families. To check for eligibility and to apply, head over to your local council website or find out here:
don’t forget disability benefits
Non means-tested disability benefits do not take into consideration income or capital. But they’re not awarded on health issue or disability alone but instead they take into consideration how the health issue/disability affects you. Here are the main benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - For children under 16 who have a health issue or disability which means they require frequent attendance and/or supervision throughout the day and or night.
- Personal independence Allowance (PIP) - Available for adults aged 16 to state pension age, PIP supports those with health conditions or disabilities affecting daily living, personal care, or mobility. It can be claimed even if you are working.
- Attendance Allowance (AA) - For new claimants of pension age who have a health condition or disability needing frequent personal care or supervision. You can claim it even if you live alone and don’t receive help from others.
And don’t forget that being in receipt of the above benefits can then lead to further support becoming available. Find out more information on health-related benefits:
how caba’s financial support can help
For the ICAEW community caba offers means-tested financial assistance to give you breathing space and help get you explore your options. All our grants and donations are short-term or one-off payments to help cover bills and unexpected essential costs.
Our support is means-tested. We'll consider your household’s income, expenditure and capital. Talk to us before you assume you won’t be able to get financial support, as our criteria might be broader than you realise.
dealing with your energy bills
With Ofgem’s energy price cap increasing, most of the UK will have a significant rise in their monthly energy bills this April. So, what can be done if you’re feeling the pinch?
- Start by reaching out to your energy provider and discuss options how you can reduce your energy bill. Many energy suppliers do offer grants, as well as affordable repayment plans if you’re already in arrears.
- Talk to us. We provide a means-tested energy grant to help cover the cost of your energy bills. But get your application in before the end of April as our grant is closing for the summer. Additionally, we may be able to assist with your energy arrears depending on your financial circumstances. Head over to our energy costs payment page for all the information:
- If you receive certain benefits, the UK government offers a Warm Home Discount to help cover the costs of your electricity bill. The scheme is currently closed but reopens again in October 2025.
- If you’re over state pension age and on a low income, make sure you check you've applied for pension credit if you’re entitled to the benefit. As this will allow you to claim the Government Winter Fuel Payment for this coming winter.
help with your Council Tax
For many, your local council will have decided by now how much your 2025/2026 council tax bill will be, and for most, this would have been an increase from the previous year. If you’re worried about how you might tackle your council tax, consider:
- If you’re on a low income or claim benefits, you could apply for council tax support/reduction. Your local council may be able to reduce your bill by up to 100% depending on your circumstances.
- Check with your local council to see if you’re eligible for their council tax discount discounts. These are non means-tested and are awarded for various circumstances, such disability, severe mental impairment, carer disregard, being a student, living on your own or second adult rebate.
- If you’re already in arrears with your council tax, it’s important that you reach out for debt support and speak to your local council. As this is a priority debt and has more severe consequences then if you were not to pay a debt such as a credit card.
- You can always ask for your council tax to be billed over the 12 months, as you may find this will help for budgeting with it.
support with your water bill
On average, water bills for households are due to go up by £10 per month in England and Wales. Here's what you can do if you’re already struggling to pay:
- If you currently receive certain benefits, have a medical issue where you need to use additional water, or have more than three children of school age, you could apply for the Watersure Scheme to help with your water bill.
- Reach out to your water supplier as many offer reduced tariffs for people with low incomes. As well as charitable trusts that can help pay off arrears.
tackling your boradband & mobile contracts
If you’re in receipt of a means tested benefit such as universal credit you may also be able to access cheaper broadband and mobiles known as social tariffs from your supplier. Please check directly with them. You can find more infomation on this over at Ofcom.