New survey shows impact of heatwaves on disabled people

A recent survey with Scope’s Lived Experience Research Panel shows how summer heatwaves affect many disabled people. Both physically and financially.

In the survey, conducted in June 2025 with 411 disabled people, more people told us they worry about hot weather than cold (29% to 27%). 41% are equally worried about both.

Physical impact of hot weather

Three quarters of disabled people told us their condition is significantly affected by hot weather. Existing conditions or impairments are made worse. And almost half said their medication can make them more sensitive to the effects of hot weather.

My medication means I struggle to regulate my body heat, so I very easily overheat. Heat makes me more fatigued, and I feel more anxious about leaving the house, and agitated generally.

Scope Research Panellist

Financial impact of hot weather

Life costs more if you are disabled. Energy bills can be much higher because of medical equipment to power, or living with a health condition affected by the temperature.

Scope’s latest Disability Price Tag report shows the extra cost of being disabled has risen. It now costs £1,095 a month on average to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.

68% of the disabled people we surveyed said they limit their use of fans and cooling equipment because of the cost. 44% said they had seen their water bills rise in summer compared to spring, and 1 in 4 noticed an increase in energy bills. Even though we assume summer means lower bills.

And data from our Disability Energy Support service shows that summer energy debt surged by 143% from August 2023 to August 2024.

I limit the use of fans because of the cost and the hot weather adversely affects my breathing. I use cooling mats and pillows and charge a neck fan in my car to save costs.

Scope Research Panellist

How to cope in hot weather

85% of the disabled people we surveyed said they know what to do in hot weather. But they can be hindered by unsuitable homes, and 4 in 10 people said they need help to open the windows. Often, they lack the money to pay for the cooling equipment they need.

I buy the cooling pads meant for dogs as they are the same as the human ones but much cheaper.

Scope Research Panellist

People shared their top tips for keeping cool. They included things like

using cold flannels or ice packs
closing blinds or curtains all day
staying hydrated
wearing light and loose clothing

You can find more tips on staying safe in hot weather here

If you’re struggling with energy costs, our free Disability Energy Support service can help.