The Cost of Caring
No family should have to choose between heating, eating, and caring for their child. The Cost of Caring shows the reality of life for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
Over 2,300 families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK share their day-to-day experiences- showing the unavoidable pressures of caring and the additional costs associated with disability.
Download the full report (English) Download the full report (Welsh) Download the executive summary (Scottish) Download the executive summary (Northern Ireland)Income insufficiency
Families share the unavoidable additional costs of disability including higher food bills and extra heating costs, specialist equipment and replacement items due to increased wear and tear on the home:
- 44% of families tell us they experience income insufficiency, meaning they cannot meet day-to-day expenses despite receiving disability benefits.
- Parents/carers provide the equivalent of an extra full-time unpaid caring role every single day, leaving just 7% able to work as much as they would like.
- 80% of families are unable to replace essential household items like fridges, beds, or washing machines when they break.
“I always make sure my child has food, warmth and clothes — but I go without so they don’t have to.”
The impact on health and wellbeing
It’s clear from our research that parents and carers go to huge lengths to do the best for their children, often sacrificing their own wellbeing in the process. As a result, many parents and carers report exhaustion, poor mental health, and extreme loneliness.
- 28% of parents/carers have wellbeing scores consistent with being depressed.
- 68% of children are negatively affected by their family’s financial situation, with impacts on emotional wellbeing, health, development, or education.
“I am really struggling just with day to day living costs for myself and my children. It’s having a massive impact on my mental health. It’s becoming very overwhelming and I have no family to support.”
How we support families
As an established UK-wide charity, we provide:
- Grants of essential items including household goods, specialist equipment and family breaks
- Practical advice on maximising income and navigating digital barriers
- Trusted, flexible, and family-centred support at critical moments.
We see first hand the huge difference this support makes – reducing stress, preventing family breakdown and helping children thrive.