Over 1 million Canadians with disabilities live in poverty. People with disabilities have a higher rate of unemployment, and those with more severe disabilities had an after-tax income of just $12,520, well below the poverty line. Furthermore, the costs of specialized equipment, custom supports for cars or homes, and medical procedures adds to the financial burdens of Canadians with disabilities.
A re-elected Liberal government will:
- Re-introduce a Disability Benefit Act which will create a direct monthly payment, the Canada Disability Benefit, for low-income Canadians with disabilities ages 18-64.
Once implemented this new benefit will reduce poverty among persons with disabilities in the same manner as the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canada Child Benefit.