In times of war, it is right to focus on the human suffering of those affected by military action. But its ripple effects have worsened an already dire set of living standards for families like mine, who simply cannot meet the rising costs of the most basic essentials. With companies expected to raise prices rapidly over the coming months, we feel terrified about the costs we’ll be facing.

What was once considered a temporary fiscal emergency after the invasion of Ukraine is now a persistent, gruelling reality for many. The term “crisis” suggests something that we could move beyond. But this impossible effort to make ends meet is a constant for millions.

I am part of Changing Realities, one of more than 200 parents on a low income documenting what life is like when you’re struggling to get by. We promote awareness of what poverty entails – but also to push for change. As another parent, Mike, said, it’s not a cost of living crisis any more: it’s a cost of survival crisis.

We have cut back as far as we can. My two disabled daughters are in their second year of primary school, yet our financial circumstances have not improved in the past five years. My partner works but for me, adapting work around a child with complex needs is a nightmare. The jobs I have done simply do not provide for rapid adjustments.

We have seen some positive first steps in tackling child poverty. The two-child benefit cap has finally been abolished, and the minimum wage has risen. Rail fares in England have also been frozen. But this only skims the surface of the type of support that is desperately needed. Families with the least face the highest rates of inflation, as the bulk of their expenditure goes on items whose costs are rising fastest: food and energy.

The government has launched the crisis and resilience fund (CRF) in England. Theoretically, this is a great idea, but it is infeasible to budget money that does not exist. Accessibility to the fund is also a concern. A major obstacle is bureaucracy, and under-informed council workers who frequently do not know how to access or refer people who need help.

Last week, Rachel Reeves promised her government would target cost of living support at “those who need it most” . This needs to happen fast, with recognition that families with dependent children need more support. The last round of cost of living payments were provided on a flat rate, with a single person getting the same amount as a family of four. This made no sense. I hope this time round things will be different and better.

Changes also need to be made to universal credit. Simple fixes could improve it: ending the punishing five-week wait for a first payment, and ensuring trust in the system. We worked with the Resolution Foundation on a set of changes that could be made to achieve just this. Will the government finally listen and learn?

• Ella Michalski is part of Changing Realities, a project working with low-income families

Courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd.