‘I see price rises of 25-50%’: how inflation is affecting people with a disability or illness

theguardian.com:

Inflation is at a fresh 40-year high of 9.4% and the cost of groceries is forecast to rise next month to the fastest rate in 14 years, putting the squeeze on household budgets in the UK. The problem is especially acute for those with a disability or chronic illness, reliant on benefits that are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living and a welfare system that is struggling to meet demand. Three readers share their tales of the pressures they now face.

Nichola, 42, a mother of five from Stoke-on-Trent, broke her back and pelvis when she was in the army as a young adult, leaving her with life-changing disabilities that mean she cannot work. She says price rises have pushed her family to the brink financially.

“Our gas and electric bill will rise to nearly £7,000 in October if the increase is ‘only’ 42% as predicted, which could well be higher.

“We were quoted £5,000 for window insulation but it might as well have been a million; we just don’t have it.

“My husband is self-employed. We get tax credits but only for three of our five children. Our youngest is autistic.

“I spend £500 per month on petrol just taking the children to school, which is four miles away. We can’t afford to live in a nice neighbourhood close to the schools. I leave the house as little as possible.

“Food has become extortionate. They say the inflation rate is 9.1% [the figure has since risen to 9.4%] but I’m seeing price increases of 25-50% in the things we buy. Four pints of milk used to be £1. Yesterday it rose to £1.60.

“Despite our struggles, we don’t qualify for free school meals; we’re still not poor enough. I don’t know how I will afford the school uniforms.”

Kate, 52, a single mother of two from Devon, had to give up work to care for her younger