For immediate release
December 3, 2025
DISABILITY POVERTY REPORT CARD 2025: CANADA EARNS A “D” AS DISABILITY POVERTY PERSISTS
Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000 release their third annual report card, urging the federal government to cut red tape, guarantee adequacy, and build accessibility through the Canada Disability Benefit
(Toronto) — On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000 released the 2025 Disability Poverty Report Card, assigning Canada a grade of “D” for its ongoing performance in addressing disability poverty.
Now in its third year, the report card shows minimal progress in reducing poverty for people with disabilities. Despite the rollout of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the current benefit level and complex eligibility processes are still not meeting the needs of those the program was designed to support.
“People with disabilities are still being left behind, and the Canada Disability Benefit is not yet lifting people out of poverty,” said Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty. “A $200 benefit is inadequate. In 2026, the government must strengthen the CDB by increasing the amount, cutting red tape, and ensuring automatic enrollment.”
The 2025 report card highlights entrenched and disproportionate poverty levels among people with disabilities. The most recent data shows the erosion of early pandemic income gains and continued financial precarity for those relying on support programs.
Key findings include:
- 1 in 6 people with disabilities live in poverty.
- Poverty rates for people with disabilities are twice the rate of people without disabilities.
- 1 in 3 people with disabilities living alone are below the poverty line.
- People with disabilities require 30% more income to reach the Low Income Measure.
“The Canada Disability Benefit can be transformative - but only if it is adequate and accessible,” said Leila Sarangi, National Director of Campaign 2000. “It must work alongside other supports like affordable housing, childcare, employment pathways, and comprehensive health services.”
The 2025 report card shows that poverty is deepening and too many people with disabilities are being left behind. This year’s recommendations build on the original seven principles by focusing on how to make them real during the rollout of the Canada Disability Benefit. The report calls for urgent, coordinated action to strengthen the Canada Disability Benefit by cutting red tape through automatic enrollment and accessible processes; building accessibility by expanding eligibility; and guaranteeing adequacy by raising benefit levels.
Visit https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/ to read the full report card and recommendations.