New report highlights growing cost-of-living pressures facing disabled Canadians
Toronto – August 18, 2026 - A new report from Disability Without Poverty is highlighting the growing financial pressures facing disabled people across Canada, as rising costs and inadequate income supports leave many struggling to afford everyday necessities.
The Disability Poverty Tracker: Q1 2026 is based on responses from disabled people and caregivers across the country. The report finds that 95% of respondents experienced financial strain, with roughly two-thirds reporting a lot of financial strain.
Everyday necessities were among the biggest concerns. Nearly 90% of respondents said their costs for everyday necessities increased during the first quarter of 2026, compared with roughly 55% in the previous quarter. More than half of respondents also reported rising costs across seven of the 10 areas tracked, including transportation, housing, utilities, health care and personal needs — all while incomes remained largely static.
As costs rise, people are being forced to make impossible choices. The report found that 75% of respondents skipped or delayed an essential purchase or service because of financial pressures, up from 70% in the previous quarter. For people already facing additional disability-related costs, including medication, equipment, specialized health services and other essential supports, these choices can have serious consequences.
The report also raises concerns about the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Around 75% of respondents had applied for the CDB, but the maximum benefit at the time of the survey was just $200 per month. At least half of respondents receiving the benefit were receiving the maximum amount. Disability Without Poverty says the benefit must increase significantly if it is to meaningfully address disability poverty.
The report also highlights the impact of benefit clawbacks, inaccessible housing, health-care costs and complicated administrative processes. For many disabled people, navigating government support systems can become a burden in itself.
UFCW Canada believes everyone deserves dignity, security and the ability to afford the essentials of life. No one should be forced to choose between housing, health care, transportation or other necessities because the supports they rely on fall short.
Take the Cost of Living Survey
Help inform future reports on the cost of living. If you have a disability or are a caregiver to someone with a disability in Canada, fill out the Cost of Living Survey to share your experiences and help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing disabled people and their families.
Source: Disability Without Poverty, Disability Poverty Tracker – Q1 2026.
