The Salvation Army's fifth Economic and Social Impact Survey (ESIS) questioned more than 1600 clients across Australia.

The survey found 86 per cent of clients and 58 per cent of households with children go without five or more basic items.

Salvation Army Dubbo lieutenant Mark Townsend said based on his experience the results were "pretty normal".

"It's not really surprising for us," he said.

Lieutenant Townsend said his clients were frequently choosing to go without meals, or sacrificing nutrition, even sometimes forgoing medication to help make ends meet.

"The cost of living just keeps going up and people on fixed income have no way to deal with the rises," he said.

"I think with winter coming up it's a particular problem. People are choosing whether to live without turning the heat on or not. Some might choose to put it on and deal with the costs but for many it's not an option for them."

More affordable housing in Dubbo would make a big difference, Lieutenant Townsend said.

"Something that I'd like to highlight for the Dubbo people is the lack of affordable housing. One in five people are experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation," he said.

"Mortgage stress is a well reported issue, but for people who can't afford a mortgage they're renting. With a high demand and high supply, rent is going up and it's a very competitive practice and people are not being able to afford it."

The survey also showed one in five clients could not afford medical treatment or prescribed medicine for their children, and two in five could noT afford a yearly dental checkup.

Of those surveyed, 60 per cent said they could not afford an internet connection.

"Quite often we might think that accessing the internet is a first world problem but for maNy kids they need to access internet for homework," Lieutenant Townsend said.

"Not being able to do it at home because of the cost of access to the technology means that they're doing it at school during the time they should be socialising like at recess or lunch and they're missing out."

The Red Shield Appeal Doorknock is on May 28 and 29. Donations can also be made at salvos.org.au/donate.