Research and analysis

The impact of the rising cost of living on disabled people in the UK

Published 17 July 2025

Executive summary 

Background

Since spring 2022, the Disability Unit (DU) has researched the full impact of the rising cost of living on disabled people, across a range of sectors. This evidence base has been used across government to support decision making. It has also helped encourage departments to consider disabled people in their policy development. 

DU commissioned the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) to develop research on the effects of the rising cost of living on disabled people. A survey was designed with an advisory group of 12 ‘experts by experience’ from the RiDC panel. This group helped shape the research and interpret survey results. DU and other government departments also contributed to the design of the survey to ensure that the findings would support effective policy development.

The research ran from 2 October to 19 October 2023 and involved 1,854 people from across the UK. 1,438 valid and fully completed responses were analysed. In the questions, respondents were often asked about their experiences in the 12 months preceding the survey. Data was also collected on impairment type and other demographic characteristics. 

Aims and objectives

The research aimed to understand the impact of the rising cost of living on the lives of disabled people in the UK. The research focused on:

• affordability of food, shopping essentials and utility bills, including energy
• physical and mental health and independence 
• access and use of medical aids, health services and personal care 
• living conditions, family life and access to community
• access to financial services, government support and employment
• access to products and services in general 

Scope of the research

DU also wanted to understand the effects that the various financial packages of government support had on disabled people’s ability to cope with the rise in cost of living. The survey aims to provide insight into:

• the sectors where respondents experienced the most significant price increases
• the behaviours being encouraged by the rising cost of living
• the impact of the rising cost of living
• the impact of the government’s financial support 

The research focused primarily on the impact of the rising cost of living. Data on the underlying socioeconomic challenges many disabled people face in the UK is also included throughout the report. 

Main findings

The results showed that the rising cost of living was a persistent challenge for many respondents. It had an effect on many different aspects of their lives and a significant influence on their health and wellbeing. For example:

• 52% of people said they could no longer afford to buy everything that they needed for their impairment, condition, or access needs
• 43% of people said they often had to buy a more expensive product or service because the cheaper option doesn’t meet their accessibility needs
• 54% of people said they often had less choice available because of their access needs 

Financial wellbeing 

39% of respondents described their household’s financial situation as very difficult (unable to pay bills and provide for basic needs) or quite difficult (struggling to pay bills and having to compromise on basic needs). 

Rising costs

The sectors where respondents were most impacted by rising costs relating to their impairments were: 

• energy, electricity or other utility bills (87% of respondents) 
• food (68%) 
• wellbeing, self-care and beauty (57%) 

People were most frequently using their savings or investments (46%), pensions (39%) or credit (39%) to cover these additional costs. 

Independence and isolation 

Because of the rising cost of living, in the 12 months leading up to the survey: 

• 62% of people had cut down or stopped using their car or public transport
• 57% of people had reduced contact with family, friends or community
• 78% of people strongly agreed or agreed that their independence had reduced
• 78% of people strongly agreed or agreed that they were becoming more isolated from friends, family and community

At home 

89% of people worried about heating their homes that winter. In the 12 months up to the survey:

• 78% of people had avoided switching on their heating despite being cold
• 75% of people had spent significantly more time in the house because of the rising cost of living 

Food and essentials

81% of people agreed or strongly agreed that they couldn’t cut back further on essentials. In the 12 months up to the survey: 

• 67% of people were eating out less
• 67% of people had changed where they bought food to somewhere cheaper
• 18% of people stated they had started to use a food bank or other emergency food provision

Health and wellbeing

In the 12 months up to the survey:
  - 61% of people said they could not maintain a comfortable temperature needed for their impairment or medical condition - 43% said they had avoided going to the dentist, 43% had avoided going to the opticians, and 41% had avoided replacing or getting new assistive aids despite needing to - 40% said they could not keep to a special diet or food need - 18% stopped or cut down on support from a carer or personal assistant - 64% agreed or strongly agreed that they could no longer afford the levels of support or personal care they needed because of the rising cost of living  - 71% agreed or strongly agreed that their physical health had deteriorated because of the rising cost of living - 75% agreed or strongly agreed that their mental health had deteriorated because of the rise in the cost of living

Government support

  - 67% of respondents reported receiving a £150 disability payment  - 44% reported receiving a £301 cost of living payment  - 8% said they had not received any additional financial support from the government - 88% of people who had received support said it contributed to or was absorbed into general household expenditure

Suggestions for future government support for disabled people

People were asked for their view on the most important thing the government could do to reduce the effect of the rising cost of living for disabled people. The most common suggestions were (from most to least common):

• an overhaul or review of the benefits system and increase benefits
• more support for energy and utility costs
• more support for food and essentials.
• a review of tax and VAT relief
• more support for housing costs
• targeted support for medical or mobility aids
• additional cost of living payments

Introduction

Aims and objectives

The aim of this research was to understand the impact of rises in the cost of living on the lives of disabled people in the UK. 

We also wanted to understand the effects that government support had on disabled people’s ability to cope with rises in the cost of living. 

Methods 

The research started with a rapid evidence review of research into the cost of living. This was used to design a survey which was further developed by the ‘experts by experience’ group. It also incorporated feedback from DU and other government departments. 

Survey

The survey was assessed and pre-tested to make sure it was accessible. Adjustments included keeping the average response time below 25 minutes (a limit of 30 questions), avoiding inaccessible formats, such as matrix questions, and allowing people to take part by phone. 

Analysis

Throughout the report some variables were combined to help with analysis.

Income

Based on household income, grouping respondents into 2 categories – low income (less than £16,000 per year), and not low income (£16,000 or more per year). 

Age 

This category is split into working-age adults (18 to 65 years old) and state pension age adults (over 65 years old). 

Impairment 

Impairment categories are grouped by physical, sensory, cognitive or mental health and other, in line with the Impairment Harmonised Standard. 

Comparisons between different groups highlighted in this report represent statistically significant relationships. 

Regression analysis was conducted. The model explored the relative importance of the variables that consistently showed a statistically significant relationship. The model included: 

• state pension age – 66 years old or over 
• working age adults – 18 to 65 year olds 
• income (low meaning less than £16,000 household income per year, not low meaning £16,000 or more household income per year) 
• people living with another disabled person in their household 
• sought additional financial support to cover the cost of living
• financial situation (comfortable, getting by, in difficulty) 
• area (rural, suburban, urban)

Totals in the tables may not sum to 100% due to rounding. 

Several questions allowed people to select as many options as applicable. For these questions, percentages may add up to more than 100%.

Financial situation of disabled people 

RiDC surveyed their research panel members on their financial situation 3 times from December 2021 to October 2023. Respondents were asked: “Over the last 12 months, how would you describe your household’s current financial situation?”^{[footnote 1]}

In December 2021,18% of respondents said their financial situation was very difficult or quite difficult.

In March 2023, 27% of respondents said their financial situation was very difficult or quite difficult.

In October 2023, 39% of respondents said their financial situation was very difficult or quite difficult.

Further analysis by a range of socioeconomic factors (Table 1) found that:

• 47% of working age adults were in financial difficulty, compared with 29% of adults of state pension age
• 51% of respondents on a low income were in financial difficulty, compared with 27% of those not on a low income
• 51% of respondents in financial difficulty described government support as having limited impact, compared with 15% of financially comfortable respondents 

The impact of rises in the cost of living

1. Cost of living by sector

Summary 

Respondents said they were most affected by rising costs in: 

• energy, electricity or other utility bills (87%)
• food (68%)
• wellbeing, self-care and beauty (57%) 

Respondents who describe their financial situation as ‘in difficulty’ were most strongly affected by increases in the price of goods and services in all sectors. 

Overall, respondents reported spending less on non-essentials (76%), using less gas and electricity (72%) and spending less on food and other essentials (69%) because of the rise in cost of living. 

21% of respondents had sought additional support from charities, such as food banks.

52% could no longer afford to buy things that they need because of their impairment, condition or access needs. 

“The cost of living means absolutely everything is more expensive and my health has deteriorated in the meantime. I now need an electric mattress which is pressure relieving and my profiling bed is permanently switched on at the mains which it wasn’t prior to this. Both the bed and the mattress run on electricity, so my electricity bill has risen quite a bit this year. This means I have less money for other essential things.” (Survey respondent)

“My gluten free bread has gone from £2.75 to anywhere up to £5 depending. I can’t even afford to have a loaf of bread for toast when food is low. It’s now a luxury item. £10 electric on my meter used to last 4 days. I could run my washing machine three times and my dryer too before needing to top up, now that £10 lasts one day. They have upped the emergency credit from £5 to £10 which means that I have to top up £15 instead of just £10 so now it costs more to replace.” (Survey respondent)

Price increases by sector 

Respondents were asked, in their opinion, in which sectors they experienced the most significant price increase. Results are shown in Table 2 in the Annex against the respondent’s perceived financial situation.  

Increasing prices

Respondents were asked: “In your opinion, how significant have these price increases been?”. They were given a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no increase at all and 10 is an extreme price increase.

On average, respondents rated the significance of the price increases as 8 out of 10. There was a statistically significant relationship between respondents’ perceived price increase and their financial situation. Respondents whose financial situation was difficult were significantly more likely than respondents who were comfortable to rate the price increases as 9 and 10.

There was a relationship between respondents’ perceived increase in prices and their age. Respondents above the state pension age were more likely to rate the price increases between 0 and 6, and those of working age were more likely to rate the price increases between 8 and 10. 

There was a statistically significant relationship between respondents’ perceived increase in prices and their income. Respondents with a household income of less than £16,000 per year were significantly more likely to rate the price increase as 9 or 10 than those with an income of £16,000 or more per year.

Figure 1: Significance of price increases

Note: Respondents were asked how significant price increases had been on a scale of 0 (no increase at all) to 10 (extreme).

Responding to price increases 

Respondents were asked about their responses to the rising cost of living. Table 3 in the Annex shows this information by the respondents’ financial situation.

The most common responses by respondents were:

• spending less on non-essentials (76%)
• using less fuel in the home (72%)
• spending less on food shopping and essentials (69%)

Impact of increased costs 

Respondents were asked: “Which of the following statements best describe how the rising cost of living has impacted on you when it comes to buying or accessing things you need that relate to your impairment, condition or access needs?”

Table 4 shows the results by the financial situation of the respondent. Overall:

• 54% said that they often have less choice because of their access needs
• 52% said that there were things that they needed to buy that they could no longer afford – this rose to 74% for respondents in financial difficulty
• 45% said that they didn’t buy things they needed because of the energy it took to negotiate access, rising to 59% for those in financial difficulty

2. Covering the rising cost of living

Summary 

The ability to enhance or generate extra income was limited for many respondents, creating further challenges. 

81% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they could not cut back any further on essentials like food.

People were most commonly using their savings (47%), pensions (39%) or credit (39%) to cover the rising cost of living. 

35% had sought additional financial support because of the rising cost of living in the 12 months prior to the survey.

“Energy price increase, I sit in the dark with a blanket over me instead of moving around my home. I can’t afford to shower as often and haven’t used my pump feeder to save electricity.” (Survey respondent)

“Eating less to save money and cancelling medical appointments to save fuel.” (Survey respondent)

“Energy payments keep rising. Don’t use as much as most already can’t cut back anymore. Eat one meal a day. I exist, I don’t live. I think twice before driving anywhere.” (Survey respondent)

“I can’t cut back any further on the essentials like food as a result of the rise in the cost of living.” (Survey respondent)

Figure 2: Covering the rising cost of living

Additional financial support

35% said that they had sought additional financial support because of the rising cost of living. 

Of the 35% of respondents who sought additional financial support, the most common sources were family and friends (56%), using a credit card or borrowing from a formal lender (51%), and pawning or selling personal belongings (41%). 

Figure 3: Sources of additional support 

3. Impact on independence

Summary 

In the 12 months up to the survey:

• 62% of respondents had cut down or stopped using their car or public transport
• 57% had reduced contact with family, friends or others
• 38% had postponed or decided not to replace assistive aids because of the rising cost of living
• 77% felt their independence had reduced because of the rising cost of living
• 78% felt like they were becoming more isolated from friends, family and community because of the rising cost of living

“Everything has a knock on effect to everything else, kind of like personal inflation. I am ill, I can’t keep my house so I need a cleaner carer, they get too expensive but I try to hang onto them as I need them, so I borrow, can’t afford carer and borrowing interest and lose the carer or cleaner. so now my debt and or arrears to essential bills has grown significantly. (…) because of the debt I can’t go anywhere or do anything even though it was previously inexpensive things like go to feed the ducks, take my camera to the zoo. I am housebound and I can’t let anyone in because my house is a shithole because I can no longer afford the help to clean it. So I basically sit at home and when the darkness comes I just sit and wonder, wouldn’t I just be better to finish it now.” (Survey respondent)

“’Budgeting’ is at the forefront of every decision. It’s easier to stay home, holidays and travel are no longer an option. You quickly lose your friend-group if you don’t turn up to the pastimes and hobbies you used to enjoy.” (Survey respondent)

“Can’t go out much, and get lonely as I can’t waste fuel, too far from bus stops, but reluctant to waste fuel on heating, lighting and tv or the radio which would give me company, and a voice to listen to, as well as mental stimulation I used to enjoy.” (Survey respondent)

Respondents were asked whether, in the 12 months up to the survey, they had to make any choices that have affected their independence and wellbeing because of rises in the cost of living. Overall:

• 62% had cut down or stopped using their car or public transport
• 57% had reduced contact with family, friends or others
• 38% had postponed or decided not to replace assistive aids because of the rising cost of living
• 26% of people who said their financial situation was comfortable said they had  made none of the choices in Table 6, compared with only 2% of people who said they were in difficulty

Table 7 shows the percentages of respondents who felt that their independence had reduced because of the cost of living. 

Respondents who received additional government support, but felt it had limited or some impact, were more likely to state their independence had reduced than those who felt the support had significant impact. 

Those who described their financial situation as in difficulty or getting by were more likely to feel their independence has reduced than those who described their financial situation as comfortable.

Respondents who had benefits as their main source of income were more likely to feel that their independence had reduced as a result of the increase in the cost of living.

Isolation 

Table 8 shows the percentage of respondents who felt like they were becoming more isolated from friends, family and community as a result of the rise in the cost of living. Overall:

• respondents with an income of less than £16,000 per year were more likely to agree or strongly agree that they were feeling more isolated from friends and family than those not on a low income
• respondents living in a household with at least one other disabled person were more likely to say they felt isolated than those in households without another disabled person living in them
• respondents who received additional government support but felt it had limited impact were more likely to feel more isolated than those who felt the support had a lot of or some impact
• those who described their financial situation as ‘in difficulty’ or as ‘just getting by’ were more likely to feel more isolated than those who described their financial situation as comfortable

Feelings of reduced independence and increased isolation

Statistical modelling looked at which variables have the most relative importance behind the results of the impact statements about independence and isolation. 

When considering the impact of the cost of living on respondents’ independence, people’s source of income (benefits, work, pension) was the most relatively important variable. This accounted for 84% in the independence variable results. Their current financial situation (comfortable, in difficulty) accounted for 9%. 

When considering the impact of the cost of living on respondents’ isolation, people’s source of income was the most relatively important variable. This accounted for 62%. Their current financial situation (comfortable, difficult) accounted for 29%. In both examples, the relative importance of the source of a respondent’s income is behind (to varying degrees) attitudes towards their independence and isolation. 

4. Impact at home

Summary 

In the 12 months up to the survey:

• 79% of respondents said they avoided switching on their heating despite being cold
• 75% said they spent significantly more time in the house 
• 54% said they did not switch on their lights despite needing to 
• 89% agreed or strongly agreed that they were worried about heating their homes this winter – women and those on a low income were more likely than men or those not on a low income to agree or strongly agree with this statement 
• 81% agreed or strongly agreed that they could not cut back further on essentials like food 
• 67% reported eating out less, and 67% had changed where they shop to somewhere cheaper

“Food bills have tripled for our regular shop, so a lot of things have had to be sacrificed. My car broke down recently as I am regularly driving with my fuel light on as I cannot afford to put it in and subsequently broke down. Following the repurchase of children’s school uniforms, I am struggling considerably more.” (Survey respondent)

“I have incontinence issues, my dryer has broken, and I can’t afford to buy a new one. Washing is left for days rather than daily to save money. Therefore, it smells and I have nowhere to put washing to dry. I shower less to try to save money.” (Survey respondent)

“Food bills, mortgage, and utilities have all doubled. It is unmanageable for disabled people. I’ve had to stop my carer, which means I am now fending for myself.” (Survey respondent)

“Everything has been affected, food services utilities and therefore it has impacted on my health and wellbeing because I can’t afford to pay the extra costs. I can afford to buy special food that I need to allow me to swallow without food getting stuck in my oesophagus. I don’t eat as much.” (Survey respondent)

Home 

Table 9 shows how the rise in the cost of living has impacted respondents’ behaviours at home. 

Overall, respondents who described their financial position as difficult were more likely to report behaviours to manage the rising cost of living across all statements: 

• 79% said they had avoided turning the heat on despite being cold – this went up to 92% of those whose financial situation was difficult
• 75% said they spent significantly more time in the house
• 54% avoided switching lights on despite needing to

Table 10 shows the percentages of respondents who were worried about heating their home as a result of the rise in the cost of living.

Respondents with an income of less than £16,000 a year were more likely to agree or strongly agree that they were worried about heating their homes that winter.
Women were more likely than men to agree or strongly agree that they were worried about heating their homes that winter. 

Those who described their financial situation as ‘in difficulty’ or ‘just getting by’ were more likely to agree or strongly agree that they were worried about heating their homes that winter than the other groups. 

Food and essentials

Table 11 shows how the rising cost of living has impacted respondents’ behaviours and attitudes towards food. The most common behaviours in relation to food were:

• eating out less (67%)
• changing where they buy food to somewhere cheaper (67%)
• buying reduced or discounted food more (64%)

Table 12 shows the percentage of respondents who could not cut back further on essentials (like food) as a result of the rise in the cost of living.

Respondents with an income of less than £16,000 a year were more likely to agree or strongly agree that they could not cut back any further on essentials like food. 

Working-age adults were more likely to agree or strongly agree that they could not cut back any further on essentials like food compared to state pension age respondents. 

Those who described their financial situation as in difficulty or as getting by were more likely to agree they could not cut back any further on essentials like food. 

Worries about heating and attitudes towards cutting back on essentials

Statistical modelling examined which variables had the most relative importance on the impact statements about heating and cutting back on essentials. 

Respondents’ source of income (benefits, work, pension) was the most relatively important variable. This is when considering the impact of worrying about heating a home in winter. This accounted for 75% of the worries about heating variable results. Living with another disabled person accounted for 10% behind the results for this variable. 

When considering the impact of the cost of living on respondents’ ability to cut back any further on essentials, respondents’ income source was the most relatively important variable, accounting for 55%. Their current financial situation (comfortable, difficult) accounted for 28%. 

In both examples, the relative importance of the source of respondents’ income was behind (to varying degrees) their worries about heating and their ability to cut back on essentials. 

5. Impact on health

Summary 

61% of respondents said they could not maintain a comfortable temperature needed for their impairment or medical condition. This went up to 76% of those who described their financial situations as in difficulty. 

The most common health-related behaviours due to the rising cost of living were avoiding going to the dentist (43%), avoiding going to the opticians (43%), and not replacing or getting new assistive aids (41%).

63% agreed or strongly agreed that the level of support or personal care they could afford no longer met their needs because of the rising cost of living.

71% agreed or strongly agreed that their physical health had deteriorated because of the rising cost of living.

75% agreed or strongly agreed that their mental health had deteriorated because of the rising cost of living.

“Always cold due to health condition, but gas bill so high I stay in bed for warmth rather than put on heating. Financial support from British gas for those in debt but can’t get into debt on prepayment meter so can’t get help. Help for wealthier families only. Need to put money on. Have food allergies. Can’t buy ready meals. Everything so costly for me.” (Survey respondent)

“I am not able to take care of my wellbeing and mental health as I have to spend all my money on living costs and food bills this is making my suicidal thoughts worse.” (Survey respondent) 

“Cover the cost of heating, cooking and lighting by at least 50%. I am cold and this makes it more difficult to get moving after sitting down for any length of time. It also affects my ability to cook my own meals and I find I’m eating less healthy.” (Survey respondent)

Health and wellbeing 

Table 13 shows the health choices respondents have made due to the rising cost of living. The most common health choices because of the rises in the cost of living were:

• not being able to maintain a comfortable temperature (61%)
• avoiding going to the dentist or getting dental treatment despite needing to (43%)
• avoiding getting glasses or going to the optician despite needing to (43%)

For every statement, respondents who described their financial position as in difficulty were significantly more likely to say that they had made these choices.

Impact on physical health, mental health and personal care

When asked if they felt their physical health had deteriorated because of the rise in the cost of living:

• 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
• 18% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 12% disagreed or strongly disagreed

When looking in more detail, Table 14 shows that:

• people with an income of less than £16,000 a year were more likely to agree or strongly agree that their physical health had deteriorated because of the cost of living
• working-age adults were more likely to agree or strongly agree that their physical health had deteriorated because of the cost of living
• people who lived with at least one other disabled person were more likely than those who did not to agree or strongly agree that their physical health had deteriorated because of the cost of living
• those who described their financial situation as ‘in difficulty’ or ‘just getting by’ were more likely to agree or strongly agree that their physical health had deteriorated because of the cost of living

When asked if they felt their mental health had deteriorated because of the rise in the cost of living, overall:

• 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
• 14% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 11% disagreed or strongly disagreed

When looking in more detail, Table 15 shows that the following groups were more likely to agree or strongly agree that their mental health had deteriorated because of the cost of living:

• people with an income of less than £16,000 per year 
• working-age adults 
• people who lived with at least one other disabled person 
• people who described their financial situation as ‘in difficulty’ or ‘just getting by’ 

When asking if respondents felt that the level of support and personal care they could afford no longer met their needs because of the rise in the cost of living:

• 63% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
• 24% neither agreed or disagreed
• 12% disagreed or strongly disagree

Important characteristics impacting physical and mental health

The statistical modelling described in the introduction looked at which variables have the most relative importance behind the results from the impact statements about physical and mental health. 

When considering the impact of the cost of living on their physical health, respondents’ financial situation (comfort, difficulty) was the most relatively important variable, accounting for 46% in the results. The source of income accounts for 30%, and the level of income (low, not low) accounts for 15%.

When considering the impact of the cost of living on respondents’ mental health, the most relatively important variable was their financial situation, accounting for 47%. Their source of income accounted for 23%, level of income accounted for 11%, and age (state or working age) accounted for 10%.

In both examples, the relative importance of the respondents’ current financial situation (to varying degrees) was behind attitudes towards their physical and mental health assessments. 

Government support

Summary 

People were asked about their attitudes and the impact of the various government financial support packages. Findings included: 

• 67% of respondents said they received a £150 disability payment 
• 44% said they received a £301 cost of living payment
• 8% said they did not receive any additional financial support from the government
• 88% of those who received support said it contributed to – or was absorbed into – general household expenditure
• for those who received one or more of the cost of living payments, 47% said the payments had some impact, 41% said the payments had limited impact, 12% said they had a significant impact
• 52% said that the one thing the government could do to reduce the impact of the cost of living on disabled people is to overhaul or review the benefits system
• 41% felt the government could provide more support with energy and utility costs

“Remove the VAT from all assistive products used by disabled people, such as hearing aids, hearing aids batteries, award free public transport to all disabled or chronically ill people regardless of the disability and allow Disabled Person Pass to be used without time restrictions, in London it can be only used after 9, but people have doctor or hospital appointments at 8 or 9.” (Survey respondent)

“I am grateful for the financial support, but knowing what is available and how to access it is also as important, enabling us to make sure our houses are as energy-efficient as possible, but also knowing what support is out there to help with this area as well.” (Survey respondent)

Respondents who received one or more financial support packages were asked what they used those additional payments for. Table 16 shows the results, which show that:

• 88% said it contributed to or was absorbed into general household expenditure
• 11% used it to pay for assistive aids
• 10% used it for a one off payment
• 8% said it paid for ongoing care

People were also asked if they had received one or more of the financial support packages distributed by the government in response to the rise in the cost of living. The findings showed that:

• 67% said they received a £150 payment linked to their disability benefit
• 44% said they received a £301 cost of living payment 
• 29% said they received a £150 one-off energy discount
• 9% said they received support from the Household Support Fund
• 8% said they did not receive any additional financial support from the government

Impact of support 

People who received government support were asked what impact it had on their ability to manage the rising cost of living. The findings showed that:

• 12% of respondents said it had a significant impact
• 47% said it had some impact
• 41% said it had a limited impact 

Figure 4: Impact of financial support by type

Awareness of other government support schemes

Help for Households Scheme 

When asked about awareness of the Help for Households Scheme: 

• 35% had heard about it 
• 6% had gained useful information
• 7% had benefited
• 47% didn’t know about it
• 5% said other 

Warm Home Discount Scheme 

When asked about awareness of the Warm Home Discount Scheme: 

• 40% had heard about it 
• 10% had gained useful information
• 16% had benefited 
• 20% didn’t know about it 
• 14% said other

Suggestions for future government support for disabled people

Respondents were asked an open question on the most important thing the government could do to reduce the impact of the rising cost of living on disabled people. 

The most common suggestions were (in order of frequency):

• overhaul or review the benefits system and increase benefits
• more support with energy and utility costs
• more support for food and essentials
• review tax and VAT relief
• more support with housing costs
• targeted support with medical or mobility aids
• more cost of living payments 

“Increase the weekly [benefit] amount rather than the odd bit here and there. Have special rates for those on low and means tested benefits for energy, water, broad band. I could get cheaper broadband if l had NO landline but l need this to run my care call service in case l fall.” (Survey respondent) 

“Introduce a social tariff for energy charges and reapply the £20 per week uplift & apply it to all claimants, including those on legacy benefits.” (Survey respondent)

“More widespread support for the cost of transport and eliminating discriminatory charges for services disabled people rely on for example a minimum basket charge and delivery fees on essential grocery shopping. It’s not fair having these extra charges added on when we don’t have a choice and can’t always pop to the shop.” (Survey respondent)

1. RiDC panel members have been asked this question on three occasions in separate surveys (December 2021 not published), March 2023 (published here) and October 2023 (commissioned by DU)). Respondents were self-selecting. These findings are shared here for context. ↩