A new report reveals that more than 40% of parent carers of children with learning disabilities in the UK are struggling to meet day-to-day living costs, underscoring the intensifying financial pressure on families with additional care responsibilities.
By Alison Bloomer – Learning Disability Today
The research, led by Contact and the Disabled Children’s Partnership, paints a concerning picture: nearly half of families report cutting back on essentials such as heating, food, and clothing. Many are also turning to debt just to stay afloat.
The findings highlight how the cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting carers who already face additional expenses due to disability-related needs—such as specialised equipment, transport, and therapies.
One parent shared, “I’ve had to choose between paying for my child’s sensory support or putting petrol in the car to get to appointments.”
Advocacy groups are calling for urgent policy intervention, including increased carer benefits, targeted cost-of-living support, and improved access to services. They warn that without meaningful action, the physical and mental well-being of both carers and disabled children will continue to decline.
The report stresses that caring for a disabled child should not mean a life of financial hardship and isolation.
