Living with a disability in London is incredibly costly.
Right now, I reside in East London in a reasonably sized one-bedroom apartment, paying £1,800 a month, which is quite a bit for the area. Most of my paycheck goes towards bills and medical expenses, which is just the reality I face.
As a person with disabilities, I have specific needs—like being close to transport links and having enough space for my wheelchair in my flat. Thankfully, I can walk short distances as I’m an ambulatory user, allowing me to access the tube for free, and my regular stations are accessible.
I understand that it’s tough for everyone, but I want to emphasize the additional expenses that come with a disability. Many suggest living frugally, but I know for a fact that if I tried that, I wouldn’t be able to manage.
With my tenancy ending in a few months, I just learned that my rent is set to increase by 16%! On top of that, council tax went up by 9% in Newham, and everything else is rising with inflation.
To make matters worse, I recently lost my flexible office job with no severance pay after only a year of service (which I suspect might be related to my disability, but that’s a whole other issue). Now, I’m not only searching for a new job but also for a new place to live.
Most of the roles I’m considering come with a pay cut due to the current job market, and the flats that meet my needs are listed at £1,800 to £2,000 or more.
I can’t rely on PIP as I used to, leaving me with even more struggles in managing additional costs. Ideally, I want to live alone, as I find it difficult to interact with others regularly—especially since I need aids set up throughout my living space.
You might be thinking, “Why not just leave London?” but for a variety of reasons, that’s not feasible for me. I wish it were.
I’m curious—how do other disabled people in London cope with high living costs and unique requirements? What are some of the best neighborhoods considering accessibility? What is a reasonable salary that accounts for the expenses of living with a disability? I’d love to hear how others navigate these challenges, whether they’re managing well or struggling.
I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing, especially with your recent redundancy and the rising costs of living in London. It’s incredibly frustrating when the city, which should be accessible and accommodating, becomes an additional burden.
Many disabled people in London are grappling with similar issues, so you’re definitely not alone. In terms of managing high costs, some people have found success in seeking out shared accommodation that’s adapted for accessibility, though I understand your preference for living alone.
It’s worth looking into local support groups or organizations that might provide financial advice or housing resources specific to disabled residents. Some charities also offer grants or assistance that could help with adaptations or other needs.
As for areas, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Stratford or Walthamstow, where transport links are fairly good and rent can be slightly lower than central London, though they are still on the higher side for accessible properties.
When it comes to liveable salaries, many people factor in housing costs, transportation, medical expenses, and additional living expenses associated with disability. Some estimate that a liveable salary in London should be around £30,000-£40,000 per year, but this number can vary widely depending on personal circumstances.
Lastly, keep an eye on job boards that cater to disabled job seekers, such as Inclusively or even LinkedIn, which often have filters for remote work. Sometimes considering freelance options or gig work can also provide some flexibility.
It’s a tough situation, and I hope that you find a viable solution soon. Hang in there, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for support and advice!