FAMILIES raising disabled or seriously ill children are “struggling to survive” due to the scale of the cost-of-living crisis, a study revealed today – leading a disability rights group to accuse the government of “back-door eugenics.”
Nine in 10 of families with a disabled child are struggling or falling behind on their regular household bills, a survey by Family Fund found.
Many are forgoing living essentials, such as food and heating, as well as basic household equipment, to try and make ends meet.
More than half of parents and carers report skipping or cutting the size of their meals, a 9 per cent increase since September last year, and 13 per cent say they have had to cut back on items that are essential for their disabled children.
More than 80 per cent are in debt with 40 per cent reporting they cannot afford to keep their homes warm, a 13 per cent increase since last December.
On average, families raising a disabled child live on £17,000 a year and spend 60 hours a week in a caring role, with one-third caring for more than 100 hours a week, the charity said.
Fewer than one in four parents and carers can work full time with more than half not able to work at all.
The charity is calling for an increase in benefits in line with inflation.
Linda Burnip of Disabled People Against Cuts warned of the risk of disabled people dying as they have to choose between heating or eating.
She told the Morning Star: “Many disabled adults and children rely on vital equipment such as kidney dialysis machines, various machines that aid breathing, peg feeding equipment, or have a need to store insulin and other essential medicines in fridges.
“All of these must have a power supply to work and without which an expensive and unnecessary hospital admission is the least worst option.
“The government must introduce a specific tariff for all disabled people and families with disabled children to ensure that they can afford energy costs.
“Frankly not to do so suggests they are pursuing a back-door eugenics policy.”
Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly called it an injustice that disabled people are more likely to be in poverty, also urging increased support.
“We can help free people from the grip of poverty by renewing and rebuilding our social security, providing adequate incomes for everyone.
“That’s even more important for disabled people who face extra barriers when it comes to finding suitable, appropriate work.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said the government was supporting six million disabled people with an extra £150 payment.
