The Cost of Caring 2025
No family should have to choose between heating, eating, and caring for their child. Our latest report highlights the reality of life for families raising disabled or seriously ill children.
The Cost of Caring 2025 report draws on responses from more than 2,300 families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK. It shows that while families are doing all they can, many struggle day-to-day because of the unavoidable pressures of caring and the additional costs associated with disability.
Download the report (English) Download the report (Welsh)Income insufficiency
For families in this research, the additional costs of disability are unavoidable. They encounter higher food bills and extra heating costs. They need specialist equipment and face increased wear and tear on the home.
- 44% of families told 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/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/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 provided more than 200,000 grants and instances of support to families last year. This included:
- 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.