Helter Skelter: Families, disabled children and the benefit system

Families with disabled children are susceptible to poverty because low incomeis compounded by high costs. Combing caring with employment is extremelydifficult, so families are heavily reliant upon benefits. But do disability benefitsprovide financial security for families who are susceptible to high levels ofpoverty and social exclusion? This qualitative study, based on semi-structuredinterviews with 20 families who have a disabled child or children, investigatestheir experience of applying for disability living allowance (DLA) and how theyuse additional benefit income. Families report that DLA makes a significantdifference, not just for the disabled child but for the whole family. However, thefact that DLA is repeatedly downrated or withdrawn generates considerablefluctuations in income and high levels of stress and ill health. The reportoutlines issues that must be addressed if reduce poverty amongst disabledchildren is to be reduced.[...]