ABSTRACT
This study investigates the economic situation of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in the community in the United Kingdom, utilizing data from the Family Resources Survey. The analysis covers 8 years of data (2012/13–2019/20) to provide a comprehensive overview of income, material hardship, and employment status among this population. Adults with ID are shown to experience heightened levels of poverty and material hardship compared to the general population and other groups with disabilities. The findings reveal that nearly a third of households with an adult with ID live below the official poverty line, and many struggle with essential needs, such as heating and food security. The study highlights the unique challenges faced by adults with ID, including low levels of paid employment and high costs associated with their condition, which are not adequately covered by disability benefits. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions to address the economic and social vulnerabilities of adults with ID. Suggestions include increasing the Personal Independence Payment for those with ID and considering economic support through a household-based lens to accommodate the needs of family members involved in caregiving.