The Extra Costs of Being Disabled. Our research found that on average life costs £975 more for disabled households, Including expensive equipment and higher energy bills.

The "extra costs of being disabled," as highlighted by organizations like Scope, encompass the additional expenses faced by people with disabilities, including medical supplies, assistive devices, personal support, and home/vehicle modifications, which are crucial for well-being and social inclusion but are not covered by standard poverty measures. Here's a more detailed breakdown: What are the extra costs? Medical Supplies and Equipment: People with disabilities often require specialized medical supplies, equipment, and medications that can be expensive. Assistive Devices: Assistive technology, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or mobility aids, can be essential but costly. Personal Support: Many individuals with disabilities need assistance with daily tasks, requiring personal support workers or caregivers, which incurs significant costs. Home and Vehicle Modifications: Accessibility modifications to homes and vehicles, like ramps, wider doorways, or adapted vehicles, can be necessary but expensive. Therapy and Support Services: Regular therapy and support services can be crucial for managing a disability and improving quality of life, but these can be expensive. Higher Energy Bills: Some disabilities necessitate the use of energy-intensive equipment, leading to higher energy bills. Specialized Food: Some individuals with disabilities require specialized diets, which can be more expensive than standard food options. Why are these costs important? Standard Poverty Measures Fail to Capture Them: Current poverty measures often don't account for the extra costs of disability, leading to a skewed perception of the true financial situation of disabled people. Impact on Financial Security: These extra costs can significantly impact the financial security and well-being of individuals with disabilities and their families. Barriers to Social Inclusion: The inability to afford necessary equipment, support, and modifications can create barriers to social inclusion and participation. Scope's Role: Advocacy: Scope, a UK-based disability charity, campaigns for increased awareness and action to address the extra costs of disability. Research and Data: Scope conducts research and collects data to quantify the extra costs of disability and inform policy recommendations. Extra Costs Commission: Scope established an Extra Costs Commission to promote understanding of the social and market drivers of these costs and develop recommendations for driving them down. Disability Price Tag: Scope's "Disability Price Tag" study found that the extra costs of disability can be equivalent to 67% of household income after housing costs. Financial Security: Scope is determined to change the financial future for disabled people and believes that all disabled people should have the opportunity to work if they want to and have the right to a decent standard of living.