What is Disability Related Expenditure (DRE)?

Disability Related Expenses are costs that arise from a disability or long-term health condition. If you need to spend money on items and services to help you to manage your disability or long-term health condition, then you may qualify to have these costs included in your financial assessment. This will then reduce the amount the local council may ask you to pay towards your care.

Click here to see a simple explanation of DRE by Independent Lives


How to identify my Disability Related Expenditure?

  • Disability Related Expenses are specific to your disability or long-term health condition so they will be unique to you
  • Consider your day to day life, equipment, aids, services or special food that costs more than a normal diet
  • Think about different times of the year and if you might use some items or services more than others e.g. extra heating in winter months
  • Review your bills and receipts
  • Check your care plan to see if you pay for anything not included there
  • Think about how your costs differ to a friend or neighbour who does not have a disability or long-term health condition


Examples of Disability Related Expenditure

Everyone’s costs are different and the list of examples below doesn’t contain everything you could possibly claim. If you have Disability Related Expenditure that is not listed, you should still include it in your claim. If you are unsure whether a cost counts as DRE or not, put it on the form anyway. Make sure you include your bills, receipts and invoices as we will need them to help you.

Disability Related Expenditure Example e.g. You pay for a community alarm

Southampton City Council Disability Related Expenses Form

You can download the SCC DRE form by clicking here