The cost of living in the USA in 2026 has become an affordability crisis for everyone due to the huge increase in inflation which has caused higher prices for food, fuel, housing and essentials. For many households, they also have the extra costs of living with a disability which includes insurance, caregiving costs and increased pricing for any assistive technology and support they may require.
Although SSA disability benefits and SSI payments increased in January due to the rise in inflation, the majority of homes with individuals with IDD still struggle to afford basic needs and services as the financial aid given is still not enough to help cover all costs.
Extra Costs to Consider for Individuals with Disabilities
Household costs alone can be a huge financial struggle for anyone but add to that the additional costs of various disability services and needs and many households are unable to afford the same standard of living as those without disabilities. Extra costs include:
- Caregiving
Rising caregiving costs puts a large financial strain on households as it is essential support for people with IDD and often needed around the clock, from a few hours a day to full time care. Individuals receive tailored care and support including personal care such as hygiene and dressing, medication management, mobility aid and other personalized support for learning disabilities. Daily care costs vary depending on the extent of care needed.
- Assistive technology pricing
Medical equipment and assistive technology continue to increase in price and many items are needed to improve the standard of living and increase independence for individuals with disabilities. The necessary equipment and technology provide tools for sensory support, communication, mobility aid, and daily living such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, speech tablets and even smart home systems. Cost varies with each piece of equipment but the price reflects the impressive technology.
- Insurance challenges
Insurance can be a minefield for people with disabilities as policies may exclude certain cover, there are increased costs for different disabilities and it is harder to find full coverage for ‘high risk’ assessments. If the disability affects a claim, insurers can legally deny coverage, apply exclusions and increase premiums. There is no specific support from insurance to help those living with disabilities and the complex documentation can often be a barrier to providing the appropriate cover.
Overall, household needs have become much more expensive, especially disability costs, and it doesn’t look like prices will be slowing down any time soon. Even with the help of increased disability benefits and payments, it is still a worrying financial struggle for many families with increasing out-of-pocket costs that households can’t afford.
Path-Now is an online platform that offers a wide range of disability support and resources for individuals with IDD in California. Whether you are struggling with finances or need other support, Path-Now connects you to local programs and services that aim to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
