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.
