New reporting by the BBC has shown that more than 60,000 Disabled adults and those with long-term illnesses in England were chased for debt by councils last year after failing to pay charges for their social care support at home.
The BBC reported that councils took legal action against 330 people last year (2021-2022) for social care debt. The increase in debt comes as many of us struggle with rising food, energy and rent costs, along with the additional living costs faced by Disabled people.
Councils ask social care recipients to contribute towards the home care they receive in nearly all areas of England, and previous BBC research found charges had risen by thousands of pounds a year for some Disabled adults.
Disabled People Against Cuts said the charges were discriminatory, leaving Disabled people "to live on very, very little money".
It said that local authorities too often rushed financial assessments, which were sometimes not updated to include recent hikes in energy bills and rent. DPAC said councils also failed to account for all the additional expenses disabled people face in maintaining their health and well-being, such as accessible transport, adapted clothing or special dietary requirements.
Under current legislation, only people with the highest need for help, and savings or assets of less than £23,250 are eligible for council-subsidised care in England.
Paula Robinson, from Greater Manchester, says she was "shocked and distraught" to receive a letter from her council warning of potential legal action, even while she was appealing against the increased charges that drove her into £3,000 of debt. The amount the council charged for her social care package - including visits from carers who prepared meals and helped with bathing - had risen by more than £4,000 a year, from £10 a week to £93 a week.
The DPO Inclusion London has created a letter that people can use to write to their MP to call for an end to care charging.
Mikey Erhardt, from Disability Rights UK said:
"Our social care system is in crisis. Disabled people of all ages do not receive the support we deserve, and the system is broken. The government's neglect of social care has led to a significantly underfunded sector, with long waiting lists for support alongside staff shortages, high care charges and cuts to care packages.
Ultimately, charging for social care is an unfair tax on Disabled people. The stories we hear of Disabled people chased for unjust debts for their care show how much things need to change. The government should create a system that makes social care free at the point of use and values those who provide care and support."