According to one think tank, people with disabilities are almost twice as likely to report that they can’t afford to keep their homes warm compared to people without disabilities.
About two-fifths (41%) of people with disabilities say they cannot afford to keep their homes warm, as do just over one-fifth (23%) of those without disabilities.
Nearly half (48%) of adults with disabilities, as well as nearly a third (32%) of those without disabilities, said they had to cut back on energy use this winter.
Nearly a third (31%) of people with disabilities, along with 18% of people without disabilities, reported having to cut back on food costs.
Due to the wide range of disabilities, there are important differences in how people are affected, the foundation says.
For example, people who are confined to their homes or have limited mobility are likely to be more affected by rising utility bills as they spend more time at home.
The report combines statistical analysis with a new YouGov survey of just under 8,000 working-age adults, saying more than 2,000 have long-term illnesses and disabilities.
Survey results show that people with disabilities make up almost a quarter (23%) of the working-age population, up from 17% in 2013.
The report also notes that people with disabilities are far more likely to be poor than other people.
One-third (33%) of adults in the lowest 10% of household incomes have a disability, compared to 9% of adults in the highest 10% of household incomes.
The foundation said some of the income inequality could be explained by the relatively low employment rate of people with disabilities, but people with disabilities who are working are also at increased risk of low incomes.
Just over half of the working-age population with disabilities (54%) are working, compared to four-fifths (82%) of those without disabilities, the report said.
The recently announced government support, including a repeat payment of £150 for disabled living expenses in 2023, will help millions of people with disabilities in the short term, the foundation said.
But more needs to be done, ideally with a broader focus on declining living standards for persons with disabilities and support for those who want and cannot work, he said.
Resolution Foundation economist Charlie McCurdy said: One of his three homes and nearly his three are cutting food costs.
“This means that people with disabilities, who make up one-third of the poorest households in the UK, will need additional protection during the cost of living crisis. It is what you are acknowledging through payment.
“But more policy work will be needed, not only through this crisis, but also to close the enormous income gap that already existed between the disabled and the rest of the population.”
The government recently released details of the updated cost of living support payment schedule, following previous payments.
New £900 cash support for over 8 million eligible means-tested benefit claimants, including those on universal credits, pension credits and tax credits, will start in the spring and will be paid in three payments It will be sent directly to your bank account.
There will also be a separate pensioner payout of £150 for persons with disabilities in the summer of 2023 and £300 in the winter of 2023/24.
For more information on government cost of living assistance and what is available, visit helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk.
A government spokesperson said:
“As part of our £37bn aid package, we paid an additional £150 last year to help 6 million people with disabilities or health conditions, and millions of low-income families have given at least £1,200, including £400. It has received direct support from Pound towards energy costs in 2022-23.
“Furthermore, disability benefits will increase in line with inflation in 2023-24, with a new £900 cost of living payment for those on means-tested benefits next year, and a further £150 disability cost of living. Those who receive disability benefits.
“We have a variety of initiatives to help people with disabilities start, stay and succeed in work, including customized work coach support to help them earn more. included.”
