Proof-of-concept: Trialling an income maximisation intervention for families with disabled children living in temporary accommodation in Camden

Abstract

Background This paper shares the progress of an income maximisation trial with families with disabled children living in temporary accommodation in Camden. This is a ‘proof-of-concept' trial of a recommendation set out in the report ‘It's Like Torture: Life in Temporary Accommodation for neurodivergent children and their families' (Warnock, Brickell and Keast, 2026), aiming to boost family incomes. The intervention runs from January – March 2026 and its impacts will be monitored until September 2026.

Objectives The intervention aims to:

1) Identify families living in temporary accommodation in LB Camden who have a disabled or neurodivergent child/children.

2) To pair participating families with a welfare support advisor who can help them to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer's Allowance, and other relevant grants.

3) To collect quantitative data on household income pre- and post-intervention.

4) To collect qualitative data on the impacts that the intervention has had/is expected to have on household income and everyday life.

5) To assess whether DLA is sufficient for families living in TA, and/or what the monthly shortfall is on average.

6) To use the trial as a ‘proof-of-concept' to 1) to scale up the intervention across Camden; 2) to encourage other London boroughs to implement similar interventions.

Methods LB Camden have identified eligible families by cross-referencing housing data and education data. Eligible families have been invited to participate via text. Participating families receive a follow-up phone call, and if necessary, a follow-up in-person appointment with a welfare rights advisor. Where children already receive DLA, households receive a one-off payment of £300. Where children do not receive DLA but the WRA believes they are eligible, households will be supported to apply for DLA will receive a one-off payment of £500. Voluntary follow-up interviews with participating families by KCL researchers will take place in April and September 2026.

Discussion Points This paper will introduce the pilot, set out key findings to-date, and explain why it matters. We discuss the benefits of academic-LA collaboration to trial cutting-edge research-led policy recommendations. We encourage conversations with other LAs who would be interested in replicating the intervention.