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  • The cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK: findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey using propensity score matching

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The cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK: findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey using propensity score matching
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  • Published on: 27 March 2025
    The financial burden of mental health disability in the UK
    • Udeme I. Jonah, Lecturer University of Central Lancashire
    • Other Contributors:
      • Monique Lynch-Jonah, Programme Coordinator

    Mental health disabilities have led to a significant financial burden on the UK economy, affecting not only individuals and their families but also the wider society and economic framework. As lecturers in mental health and finance, it is important to analyze these economic implications so we can understand the multi-dimensional challenges created by mental health disabilities. These challenges include:

    According to the Mental Health Foundation (2022), mental health disabilities cost the UK economy at least £117.9 billion annually, equivalent to approximately 5% of the nation's GDP. This figure comprises of various factors, including healthcare expenditures, loss of productivity, and informal care costs. Particularly, nearly three-quarters (72%) of this cost is attributed to lost productivity and the efforts of unpaid informal carers.

    Families with children suffering from mental health disabilities face significant financial challenges. Solmi, Melnychuk & Morris (2018) revealed that such families require an additional £49.31 per week to maintain a standard of living comparable to families without disabled children. This financial strain is worsened in low socioeconomic families, who may need between £59.28 and £81.26 more per week, depending on the severity of the disability.

    The UK government allocates substantial funding to disability benefits, with the annual health and disability benefits bill standing at £65 billion and projections indic...

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    Conflict of Interest:
    None declared.