Disability increases the risk of poverty by 61% according to European Disability Forum data
85% confidence
EqualityEuropean Union
Omissions
The 61% figure actually originates from Eurostat (the EU's statistical office), not the European Disability Forum. EDF is an umbrella advocacy organization that cites Eurostat data in their policy work.
The 61% refers to the relative difference in risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE rate), not absolute poverty figures. In 2024, approximately 29% of people with disabilities were at risk of poverty or social exclusion compared to around 18% for those without disabilities.
The data refers to the year 2024, which is the most recent available period before the session date of February 2026.
Sources
PrimaryEurostat (ec.europa.eu/eurostat)In 2022, people with disabilities in the EU had a 29.7% risk of poverty or social exclusion compared to 18.9% for those without disabilities, representing approximately 57% higher risk.
SecondaryEuropean Disability Forum (EDF)Around 29% of persons with disabilities in the EU are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, compared to under 18% for those without disabilities.