Financial abuse and economic vulnerability in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a structured review

Purpose This study aims to examine the multidimensional nature of financial abuse and economic vulnerability among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It synthesizes fragmented evidence to clarify how cognitive, relational and systemic factors intersect to shape financial risk and identifies gaps that limit the development of effective safeguarding and inclusion strategies. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a structured literature review informed by PRISMA 2020 reporting principles. A search was conducted in Web of Science using predefined Boolean expressions combining disability and financial vulnerability constructs. Following title, abstract and full-text screening, eight peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Given the focused search strategy and methodological heterogeneity of the included studies, the findings were synthesized narratively rather than through formal risk-of-bias assessment. Findings The evidence shows that financial vulnerability in IDD arises from the interaction of structural exclusion, constrained financial capability and relational forms of exploitation such as mate crime. Rigid banking regulations, low incomes and restrictive welfare systems perpetuate financial precarity for individuals with IDD and their families. Decision-making is shaped not only by cognitive factors but also by emotional and relational dynamics that influence recognition of, and responses to, financial abuse. Empowerment, supported decision-making and rights-based financial education, emerged as key protective mechanisms. Originality/value This review integrates diverse empirical and socio-legal literature on financial vulnerability in IDD into a coherent analytic framework. It highlights financial abuse as both a safeguarding concern and a matter of social justice while transparently acknowledging methodological limitations of the review design.