Gas and electricity increases..

[netflixandnaps]

So I'm on PIP for long term disability so my 'income' currently leaves me with only £80 a MONTH for food after all my bills have come out (that's literally all my spare money, £20 a week).

I just got a new gas and electric statement and I'm expected to pay an extra £280 a month, so I'm guessing I won't be eating anymore and I have to find a magic money tree for the extra £200 I need.

I know I'm not the only one in this position but it's come as a shock as I simply don't have the funds. I don't have 200 extra....

No idea what I'm going to do.

The statement and proposed price increase won't take into account the likely announcement of price freezes, so wait and see what that says and try not to worry.

Have a read of
www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-bills-/

and check that you're getting all the help you're entitled to, are registered as vulnerable with your energy company and that your payment doesn't exceed an amount you can afford after you've accounted for an appropriate amount for food, which should be at least double your £20 pw.

If your bills includes any unsecured debt repayments, don't scrimp on food to pay them, they're the lowest priority and if you can't feed yourself adequately and pay debts, that's a sign that a formal solution may be required and it's time to talk to a debt advice charity like Stepchange or Christians Against Poverty.

Wow, this sounds tough.
I would definitely second checking if you are entitled to more help. Maybe going to the citizens advice bureau and having a sit down with them could help?
I have been using the ten pound a day threads on here to help me get some extra money- maybe they could help?
But sorry you are in this situation.
Our already horrible electric bill is going from £300 (rented property, old storage heaters, no chance to change) to what looks like nearer £700 and we are panicking- but as pp said maybe a brief bit of respite with a freeze, so holding on for that.