The number of people struggling financially has doubled since before the pandemic, from 9% to 18%.
A Red C survey carried out for the St. Vincent De Paul also found that half of renters are worried about their ability to pay the rent in the coming six months, while 37% say they've cut back on essential heating and electricity use.
17% say they've cut back on other essential items including food.
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Dr. Tricia Kielthy from the S.V.D.P says that vulnerable groups are finding it even harder to manage.
Almost half of single parents say they've cut back on essential heating, for example."
Dr Kielthy says while the figures are "very stark" but they align with what the charity seeing at an anecdotal level across the country.
