The Hidden Financial Impact of Disability in Canada

When Canadians think about disability, they often focus on health and accessibility. What is less visible is the financial burden many Canadians face each day.

The number of Canadians living with a disability continues to grow. According to the most recent national data from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD), 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older—approximately 8 million people—were living with a disability in 2022, up from 22.3% in 2017 (Statistics Canada, 2024). This increase highlights the growing need for accessible support, services, and financial assistance across Canada.

For many individuals, disability creates a double financial challenge: lower earning potential and higher living costs. Statistics Canada (2024) reported that persons with disabilities have lower median personal incomes and are more likely to live in poverty than Canadians without disabilities.

At the same time, many Canadians with disabilities require additional support and services to meet their everyday needs. Statistics Canada found that 66.1% reported at least one unmet need for support, including healthcare services, medications, assistive devices, or assistance with daily activities, underscoring the challenges many face in obtaining necessary support (Statistics Canada, 2025).

These findings highlight why disability benefits are so important. For many Canadians with disabilities, lower earning potential, increased daily expenses, and difficulties accessing essential supports are interconnected challenges that can compound over time. Accessing available disability benefits can provide valuable financial support and help individuals and families better manage these challenges.

Our EMA team believes that increasing awareness of the hidden financial impact of disability is an important step toward helping Canadians access the benefits and support they deserve.