Launching our #BreakingPoint campaign
Today we’re launching our new campaign calling on the UK Government to support people with MS through the cost of living crisis and beyond.
Our new report shows people with MS are already struggling to make ends meet. Disability benefits have long failed to provide enough support to cover the extra costs of living with MS. And now:
- Nearly two-in-five people with MS who claim means-tested benefits surveyed can’t afford to keep their homes warm. And around a third of this group can’t afford the medication or treatments they need
- One in four people with MS do not have enough money for food, and one in 20 have been forced to use a food bank in the past year
- Around 3 in 10 people with MS surveyed have had to reduce their spending by reducing or stopping therapies or treatments
It’s time for the Government to act
This is a tough time for everyone, but people with MS are being hit especially hard. Government neglect has forced many to make devastating choices between essentials like food, heating and medication.
Change can't wait. We're reaching #BreakingPoint. 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.
People with MS are speaking out
Samantha Randall, 55 and from Devon, lives with primary progressive MS. Samantha says: “I’m so scared about bills – I have to keep my heating above 19 degrees or I get tremors. I’m at risk of not being well enough to stay in my own home if I can’t afford to keep it at a stable temperature.
“I can’t afford to go out and about anymore, which was something I used to look forward to. Even just getting out to the shops or going for a coffee gives you a pick-up in the week.”
Disabled people need targeted support
Anastasia Berry, our Policy Manager, says: “This is a really tough time for everyone, but people with MS are being hit especially hard by the cost of living crisis. Skyrocketing bills are pushing many into crushing debt, and forcing them to make devastating choices between essentials like food and medication.
“We urge the government to step up and do more. They must introduce a new cost of living support package to bring people back from #BreakingPoint.”
The UK Government must do more
Join us and call on the UK Government to:
- Introduce a new cost-of-living support package for disabled people immediately
- Increase benefits to cover the extra costs of living with MS
- Pause debt repayments for people on benefits
We're here for you
You don't have to face challenges alone. Find out about additional 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 protected]. It’s free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK. What you tell us is confidential, and when you call us it won’t show on your phone bill.
