"Counting the costs" survey

Finances can be a major concern for families with disabled children. It costs almost £7,000 a year more to raise a disabled child due to direct costs such as special aids and adaptations, transport, heating and childcare. With rising living costs affecting all families, Contact a Family wants to find out the effects on families caring for children with disabilities, serious health conditions or rare conditions living in the UK.

If you live in the UK we would be most grateful if you would complete this short survey for us. Please note that all responses are anonymous.

Many thanks for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. This will be of help to us in our work. Please press submit now.

A summary of the results will be available on this website in due course.

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1. Are you the parent of a disabled child?
2. How old is your disabled child?
3. Where in the UK do you live?
4. In the last 12 months, because of a lack of money, have you had to go without any of the following items: (tick all that apply) Adaptations for disability to your home Specialist equipment or therapies for your disabled child Children’s clothes Children’s toys Bedding Food Heating Leisure activities – school trips, family days out Holidays Other
5. In the last 12 months have you got into arrears with any of the following: (Tick all that apply) Utilities such as gas and electricity bills Council tax Mortgage/rent Credit cards, catalogue bills, loan repayments Other
6. In the last 12 months have you been threatened with court action for debts of any kind?
6a. If yes, what for: (Tick all that apply) Utilities such as gas and electricity bills Council tax Mortgage/rent Credit cards, catalogue bills, loan repayments Other
7. Have you applied to a charity for financial help in the last 12 months?
7a. If yes, what for: (Tick all that apply) Household electrical goods such as a washing machine or cooker Adaptations for disability to your home Specialist equipment or therapies for your disabled child Children’s clothes Children’s toys Bedding Food Heating Leisure activities – school trips, family days out Holidays Other
8. In the last 12 months have you taken out a loan?
8a. If yes, what for? (Tick all that apply) Household electrical goods such as a washing machine or cooker Adaptations for disability to your home Specialist equipment or therapies for your disabled child Children’s clothes Children’s toys Bedding Food Heating Leisure activities – school trips, family days out Holidays Other
9. In the last 12 months have you boorowed money from friends or family?
9a. If yes, what for? (Tick all that apply) Household electrical goods such as a washing machine or cooker Adaptations for disability to your home Specialist equipment or therapies for your disabled child Children’s clothes Children’s toys Bedding Food Heating Leisure activities – school trips, family days out Holidays Other
10. Over the next 12 months do you see your financial situation:?
If you would be willing to share your story with us, please e-mail Elaine Bennett.