Simon Read: Working people can still get help with benefits

The average working household is now forced to spend half its monthly income on food and bills. Frighteningly, half of the 13 million people living in poverty in the UK are from working households.

It's no wonder that three fifths of low-income workers say their financial situation has worsened in the past year. The figures come from money charity Turn2us, which has launched Benefit Awareness Month to target those who aren't claiming the benefits or tax credits they may be entitled to.

According to the charity, 85 per cent of current claimants in work say benefits have helped with housing costs, bills and even avoiding debt. For instance, there are grants and schemes offering heating assistance, from help installing energy-efficiency measures to taking money off the bill.

"Being in work does not mean the end of help," says Alison Taylor, director of Turn2us. "We want everyone to know they are not alone and to be aware of the support that is available." Go to www.turn2us.org.

s.read@independent.co.uk

Twitter: @simonnread