Counting the Costs 2021, Contacts' major survey of almost 3,000 UK families with disabled children, found that:

  • In the last 12 months, almost a third of parent carers have gone without heating (30%) and food for themselves (37%). Half have gone without toys, presents and computer equipment for their children.
  • 55% of respondents were shielding during lockdown. As a consequence of shielding,
  • 30% report they got into debt or borrowed money, 15% got behind with mortgage payments, 10% used a foodbank for the first time and 7% lost their job.
  • Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents claim Universal Credit and 40% of those said they are worse off since claiming, despite assurances from government that no one would be worse off.
  • Nearly two thirds (61%) say that caring responsibilities mean they or their partner has given up paid work, on average losing £21,270 from their family income.

Families with disabled children are still living with the financial fallout of the pandemic. Watch two families talk to Channel 4 News on how this affects them and their children.

Join Contacts' Counting the Costs campaign to call for a benefits and support system that genuinely values carers. Email the template letter to your MP demanding change.

For more information about Counting the Costs 2021 click here.

British Academy of Childhood Disability is registered in England and Wales under charity number 1177868
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