'I've given up eating hot meals to pay for equipment to keep my son alive'

Parents of severely disabled children are skipping meals to afford soaring energy bills for life-saving medical equipment, according to charity reports and personal testimony from across the UK^[1][2].

Samantha Tolmie from Doncaster says her energy costs have risen from around £100 to over £400 a month to power the ventilator, humidifiers, and oxygen concentrators her 22-year-old son Lewis requires^[1][2]. She has stopped cooking hot meals and eats one meal of Marmite sandwiches and fruit daily to save money^[1]. At one point, her energy provider suggested doubling her direct debit to £845 a month, an amount she said was more than her rent^[1]. Charities in Yorkshire report a worrying rise in parents and carers making similar sacrifices^[1].

Research from the disability charity Scope indicates the scale of the financial pressure, estimating that disabled households need an extra £1,095 each month on average to cover their costs^[1][2]. The average Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is £465 a month, leaving a significant shortfall^[1][2]. The Family Fund charity estimates 745,300 families across the UK are eligible for its grants^[1][2]. Tolmie, who provides 24-hour care for her son, receives support from the council and charities but says the money does not cover all expenses^[1]. She expressed frustration with the stigma around claiming benefits, stating, "I just wish people could see how hard it is for families like mine"^[1]. With a new energy price cap due in July, she fears bills will rise further^[1].