With energy and food costs soaring, many of us are worried about managing in the coming months.

For prepayment meter customers anxious about the possibility of being left without gas or electricity, your energy supplier can give you temporary credit if you can’t afford to top up your meter.

Everyone’s situation is different and if you run out of temporary credit, speak to your supplier to explain your situation.

They may give you extra temporary credit if you’re struggling with living costs, disabled, have a long-term health condition, or you have children under the age of five. You’ll have to pay back anything extra you get, but you can agree with your supplier how to do this in a way you can afford.

If you pay council tax by direct debit and you’re in bands A-D, you should have received a payment of £150 automatically. If you don’t pay by direct debit you might need to make a claim.

You can check how to do this and access a range of other local support measures on the North Herts Council website.

More support will be available from October, including a £400 payment to help you with your energy bills. If you have a prepayment meter, you’ll be given vouchers in the first week of each month from October, via SMS text, email or post so it’s a good idea to make sure your energy company has your up-to-date details.

To help manage other costs, it’s also worth checking you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.

There are benefits calculators you can use online, as well as advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income on the Citizens Advice website.

The school holidays can be a really tough time and we know the food shop isn’t stretching as far. Speak to us at Citizens Advice North Herts or check the NHC website to find out what extra support may be available over the holidays.

Please don’t feel you must struggle alone, get in touch with Citizens Advice North Herts by leaving a message on 01462 689801 and we will call you back within three working days.

You can also email via northhertscab.org.uk.