Navigating the Cost of Living after brain injury

At Headway, we understand that the cost-of-living crisis is affecting individuals and households across the UK, including many brain injury survivors and their families.

In this feature we offer some guidance on what you can do to manage your money at this difficult time.

Managing your money

Many people find that their financial status is impacted by sustaining a brain injury, for instance if they are unable to return to work or need to pay for equipment or adaptations to their home. For some people, their financial status may remain the same as it was pre-injury, but they may struggle with the skills needed to manage money efficiently.

It may often feel like taking out a loan or exploring other means of credit is the only option, but there are other things you can consider. Here, we offer some top tips for managing your finances.

• Consider contacting your bank, local Citizens Advice or Money Helper for specialist advice and support on managing money. Your local council may also have a specialist financial advice service available.

• Consider seeking advice from your nearest Jobcentre or a benefits advice service on benefits that you may be entitled to following your brain injury. Your local council may also be able to offer financial assistance with paying things such as energy bills.

• Ask someone such as a close relative or a friend who you trust to help with managing your money. Try to identify which parts of money management you find difficult and ask if they can help you out, for instance, with organising paperwork such as bank statements.

• Consider using an app to help with managing your finances and budgeting.

• If you are struggling to meet bill payments, speak to your bank or service provider. Remember that under the Equality Act, all service providers (banks, utilities companies) must treat you fairly by making reasonable adjustments so that you are not disadvantaged by your disability.

• Don’t ignore the problem! It might be daunting to receive letters or reminders about bills, but do not be tempted to ignore these as it will only make the problem worse. Help is available.

Visit headway.org.uk/cost-of-living for useful links to charities and organisations where you can access information and support. You can also contact our helpline on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk if you’d like to talk things through.

Practical issues

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Welfare benefits

A brain injury is likely to have an effect on a family's finances, and claiming benefits can help to ease the pressure.

Find out more