Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway opened up on her struggle as she issued an update on her husband's health battle.
The broadcaster fronted today's edition of the ITV news programme alongside Rob Rinder. The two anchored a discussion on the mounting cost of living crisis as shock forecasts yesterday revealed energy bills are set to increase more than predicted.
Forecasts predicts bills will now rise above £5,000 in April and Shani Dhanda appeared on the show to talk about the devastating impact this will have on people with a disability.
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Shani has been diagnosed with brittle bone disease and the campaigner said people with disabilities already face unavoidable extra costs. She said: "I have to get clothes tailored. I can't use public transport as it's not accessible. Because I live in a world that isn't designed for me, my home is my refuge.
"There's lot of other friends that have to use electricity to charge their wheelchairs and ventilators. This is a life or death situation for many disabled people." Six million disabled people will receive an extra £150 payment to help with mounting bills, but Shani blasted the support as "insulting".
She said: "I know someone people out there will be thinking just be grateful for what you're getting, but when we face unavoidable extra costs on top of a cost of living crisis, £150 doesn't even cover a tiny fraction."
Kate said she had a "tiny little insight" into the problem as she has helped care for her husband, Derek Draper, since he fell critically ill after contracting coronavirus. Kate's co-host gave an insight into how she has been hit by the financial implications caring for Derek.
He said: "I know you're not going to say it and I know you won't mind, but the reality is that even with your privilege, you've struggled in trying to make sure you get entitled to all the things you need access to. "
Kate responded: "Absolutely. I'm mired in the confusion of it all. I think it's hugely challenging. I can be quite sparky about speaking up but sometimes it is very confusing.
"The costs are stuff you don't even predict and it comes and bites you." Sylvia Simpson from Money Buddies appeared on the show and she urged people to check if they qualify for extra support.
She said: "Maximise your income. Many people are entitled to money that the government owes them but they don't claim it. People backdate claims that goes into thousands of pounds so it's always worth getting advice."
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