Day-to-day costs have increased for everyone, but did you know that living costs for those with disabilities are increasing at a much higher rate compared to those without disabilities? This blog, written by Research Ambassador Maria Karpouzou, will provide a snapshot of the hidden costs of disability and the impact of the increasing cost of living on disabled people. Hidden costs are those costs which may not be immediately obvious, or in this context, those costs not typically experienced by those living without any impairments.
While living in Greece and studying Psychology in the UK, Maria became interested in each country’s approach to supporting people with disabilities and the differences and similarities in support offered. Just under a quarter of the population in each respective country lives with a disability. Both countries implemented programs of Austerity following the financial crisis of 2008. This comparison provides valuable insights into the lives of disabled people across Greece and the UK amid a global cost-of-living crisis.
Austerity and health across Greece and the UK:
Austerity measures and economic crises have caused significant financial issues in both Greece and the UK (for the definition and history of austerity you can look here), particularly in the realms of public health and services for people with disabilities. This has made it challenging to access services necessary for maintaining long-term good health and wellbeing (Dessouky & Charlie McCurdy, 2023; Giavrimis, 2019; Montgomery & Baglioni, 2018; Rotarou & Sakellariou, 2017). A disability can be a congenital condition present at birth (e.g. congenital heart disease), an acquired disability through injury (e.g. traumatic brain injury), a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, conditions typically diagnosed in the later stages of life (e.g. dementia) or a learning disability (e.g. Down syndrome) (Krahn et al., 2015; WHO, 2020).
About 16% of the global population has experienced significant disability with the numbers increasing (WHO, 2020). In the UK, 23% of the general population (approx. over 2.6 million people) are registered as disabled. This figure is increasing and has been since 2013. In Greece, 23.1% of the general population are registered as disabled (Eurostat, 2024). These increases might be due to changes in how disability is reported, certain conditions now being recognised as a disability (e.g. long COVID) and an increase in the number of people with impairments (Dessouky & Charlie McCurdy, 2023).
Greece: After the 2008 financial crisis and implementation of austerity measures, those living with disabilities in Greece were increasingly vulnerable to higher costs. Out of pocket payments and co-payments increased, as public health budgets were reduced under austerity. Individuals are increasingly paying privately for services such as MRI scans even if they are eligible for public assistance as the waiting lists for screening and/or imaging are lengthy and are often not timed to coincide with outpatient reviews. Transport costs are higher for those living on the Greek islands, as specialists are based in Athens for which there no subsidies for travel. Those with existing conditions require more frequent hospital input, and therefore spend more on transport.
People with disabilities report higher unmet need meeting the cost of prescribed medicines, with 24% of disabled people having this issue compared to 8% of people without disabilities (Rotarou & Sakellariou, 2017). Medicines used to treat an individual’s primary condition may be exempt from co-payments (additional charges). However, other medications prescribed for management of symptoms and side effects are not covered. People with disabilities experience problems with the cost of dental care, general health care and mental health care. They are 2.6 times more likely to have unmet health care needs compared to those without disability, due to the cost of treatment (Rotarou & Sakellariou, 2017). Low income, unemployment, and education level play an important role in unmet healthcare needs. People with higher socioeconomic status report better health as they can access private services (Rotarou & Sakellariou, 2017).
The UK: At the same time, disabled people in the UK also have reported that they have unmet needs due to rising cost, with higher transport costs, prescription charges, specialist equipment, insurance, home equipment and therapies (Dessouky & Charlie McCurdy, 2023). Most of us are required to pay household utilities such as electric, but for those with impairments they may incur higher electric costs running specialist equipment such as oxygen concentrators, electric hoists, pressure relieving mattresses etc. These extra costs are often unavoidable, and those with conditions that impair their mobility report particularly high utility costs (Evans et al., 2024). Even people with fluctuating health conditions report higher costs due to their condition. Households with one disabled adult or child need an additional £1,010 per month to have the same standard of living as their non-disabled peers (Scope, 2024).
Work and disability
Approximately 31.1 % of disabled people in 2018 in Greece were unemployed, with disabled women being less likely to be employed (26.7 %) compared to non-disabled women (50 %) (Strati, 2020). In the UK, 54% of disabled people work compared to 82% of non-disabled people (Dessouky & Charlie McCurdy, 2023). Disabled people around the world encounter many barriers and can experience cumulative disadvantage. This can include barriers to employment, increased stress and higher costs with limited means for raising additional income (Evans et al., 2024).
Household income
Some will also have less bargaining power when buying items, as they may be unaware of offers due to items being purchased by carers or other third parties (Scope, 2024). The median household income for people with disabilities in UK in 2020-2021 was £21,405 (with income benefits) and for people without was £27,766. This is a significant difference, making it harder for people with disabilities to afford essentials. In 2024, it was estimated that the minimum household income to ensure a decent standard of living in the UK was £28,018 (Minimum Income Calculator, 2024). Recent figures place the median household income for those with disabilities as substantially less than this figure, therefore indicating the challenges faced by those affected.
In 2022, approximately 41% of disabled people couldn’t afford energy and 31% reduced their spending on food compared to non-disabled people (18%) (Dessouky & Charlie McCurdy, 2023). This makes it more likely that disabled individuals are facing challenges when it comes to paying the bills, keeping their house warm or having access to an adequate, nutritious diet.
In Greece, the average annual income was €16, 235 in 2021 (Statista, 2024). It is difficult to find data on the average household income for disabled individuals in Greece and there is no minimum income calculation at present. However, 82% of disabled people living in Greece described facing financial difficulties (Eurostat, 2017). This would suggest that the hidden costs and financial burdens faced by those in Greece and the UK are similar, if not more acute in Greece.
What next?
Steps to address the increasing costs and unmet health needs faced by those with disabilities in the UK and Greece include;
- Reviewing which medications are frequently prescribed and are not currently covered by public insurance. Reimbursement schemes should cover these prescribed items. (Greece)
- Increase awareness about available resources and government grants through targeted campaigns and outreach efforts.
- Legislation to protect people with disabilities from high utility costs and ensure these are borne by the utility supplier.
- Disability benefits and support payments to keep pace with inflation.
The rising cost of living has undoubtedly influenced the lives of disabled people in both Greece and the UK. From increased utility costs to out-of-pocket payments for medical treatment, this blog has aimed to bring these hidden costs to the reader’s attention. By prioritizing the unmet needs of those living with disability, the government can create a more equitable future and alleviate some of the stresses faced by those with chronic health conditions.
Support:
For those who need support, there is help available.
In the UK:
Turn 2 Us – Turn2us is a national charity that provides practical information and support to people facing income shocks and financial insecurity.
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice is a national charity and network of local charities that offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Scope – Scope is a disability charity in England and Wales. Scope campaign to transform attitudes to disability, provide direct services, information and support.
In Greece:
The Center for Social Welfare of the Attica Region supports individuals with disabilities and provides social services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological services.
Maria Karpouzou
Research Ambassador