Help managing cost of living pressures

The rising cost of living has increased the financial pressure that many people are under, including sex workers. And so, it is important to be aware that a range of support is available to help people access benefits, increase household income, and manage everyday costs including energy bills.

Below we provide details for several useful sources of advice, including on Vivastreet’s partnership with IncomeMax: a service that provides expert financial support for those in need.

IncomeMax

IncomeMax gives helpful advice and guidance to improve your financial well-being, such as how to increase your income, reduce bills, and deal with debts. In particular, they can help with:

• Budgeting support
• Energy & water bill reduction
• Grants
• Benefits
• Debt advice
• Community support
• Emergency help

IncomeMax will also support Vivastreet customers who are unable to progress applications for benefits and grants to help them get additional income where they are eligible. IncomeMax’s services are confidential and free to use.

You can get financial help from IncomeMax in a few easy steps:

1. Fill in your details to hear from an IncomeMax advisor
2. A case handler will call you to review information about your income and expenditure
3. They will look at what you can reduce spending on, including utility schemes, tariff changes, and energy and water efficiencies
4. The case handler will explain how you can claim the new identified income or send you application forms

Citizens Advice

In addition to IncomeMax, practical help is also provided by Citizens Advice. For example, if you find yourself in debt and are struggling to pay organisations that you owe money to, don’t ignore bills or bailiff’s letters. Instead, contact Citizens Advice to find out how to start dealing with your debts.

They can also help you to check what benefits you can get and their online chat service provides a direct line of communication for those needing help with consumer issues, problems with debt and money, family problems, immigration issues, legal questions and housing matters.

A specific challenge for many people at the moment is the cost of energy bills and Citizens Advice also provide detailed guidance on the assistance that is now available. This includes the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme, which provides every household with £400 off their electricity bills. Check how you’ll receive the payments.

Seeking more financial support? Check out these useful Vivastreet resources:

COVID-19 Support: Financial aid services for sex workers

Sex work & finances: Tips on how to manage your money

Sex work and self-employment – Managing your taxes

COVID-19 support resources for sex workers