WAR VETERANS crippled by rising living costs have been forced to ask for help with food and energy bills.

Help for Heroes has already paid out £12,500 in grants to ease the strain nationally, and people in East Sussex are also feeling the pinch.

The charity said its welfare team is “witnessing first hand the toll this is taking on veterans and their families”.

Claire Barnes, head of grants for Help for Heroes in East Sussex, said: “Without doubt, what we are currently seeing is just the tip of the iceberg.

“The impact of the changes in the economic climate means they are facing cuts to their benefits, as well as needing more energy to meet their basic needs.

“Some are dependent on specialist equipment – such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, hoists, or wheelchairs, all of which are powered by electricity.

“Our funds are not endless, but we must work with our veterans and families to do all we can to reduce the anxieties they are experiencing.”

Help for Heroes gave an average support package of £150 in the first half of this year – exclusively for food.

The amount has now risen to £380 per person and includes allowance support for energy bills.