Families struggling with rising food and gas prices as well as debt repayments are becoming anxious about how to pay their heating bills this winter, it has been claimed.

According to the Associated Press, community organizations are seeing an increase in the number of US citizens seeking help and advice on meeting soaring heating bills.

Ann Heidenreich, executive director of Community Energy Services in Canton, New York, told the news provider: "People are very worried about this winter."

The price of heating oil and natural gas is predicted to reach record highs over the coming months, putting a squeeze on household finances.

The Associated Press points out that since many families are already facing mounting debt and job losses, higher heating bills could hit them particularly hard.

Households having difficulty meeting day to day living costs such as heating bills may consider pay day loans as a means of dealing with short-term financial emergencies.

Letitia McEastland, creditor relations supervisor at Family Credit Counseling Services, told BusinessRockford.com recently that many families are using pay day loans "so they won't get their lights cut off".

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