Yet two million Disabled people are trapped in deep poverty, unable to afford to eat or heat their home.
Social security doesn’t cover the hidden or additional costs of disability – things like electricity to run vital equipment and transport to get out of your home.
Not only this, but for those able and wanting to work, too many workplaces are unwilling to employ Disabled people.
28% of those in poverty in the UK are Disabled (3.9 million people) while a further 20% of people in poverty (2.7 million) live in a household with a Disabled person.
Nearly half of the poverty in the UK is therefore directly associated with disability.
The Government needs to meet its responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
A new benefits system must be co-produced with Disabled people. The new system should be designed to address the barriers that Disabled people face. It should also consider the extra costs that Disabled people have.
Despite the change in Government, the fight for Disability Justice is as vital as ever.
The decision cut the Winter Fuel Payment will affect two million pensioners and could not have come at a worse time.
Disability poverty is rife across the UK, with 45% of pensioners being Disabled people, rising to 80% of pensioners over 85.
Unless the cut is reversed, Disabled people, many of whom have at least one age-related impairment, will struggle to heat their homes and power essential equipment needed for health and mobility.
It will drive an increase in poverty and contribute to an excess of winter deaths.
Analysis from the Labour Party in 2017 suggested that means testing for the winter fuel allowance would lead to 3,850 extra pensioner deaths.
That’s why DR UK is backing the national Campaign for Disability Justice, calling on Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to guarantee:
Opportunity
To support employers to create more accessible jobs and to ensure Disabled people have voluntary access to good quality employment support, without the threat of sanctions.
Security
To guarantee a decent standard of living for Disabled people, in or out of work, that adequately accounts for the additional costs they face. Improve social security so that everyone can live a decent life, whether they’re in work or not.
Respect
To lead the way in building a society that respects and values Disabled people and supports the development of local Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
This is a significant initiative to call for change, supported by national organisations such as Disability Rights UK, the Trussell Trust, Scope, Mencap, as well as many local Disabled Peoples Organisations.
DR UK says please act now and sign up to support the campaign.
Don’t forget to spread the word to your friends and families.
Follow the campaign on X at @CampaignFDJ and sign up at www.campaignfordisabilityjustice.org.uk
Details of the campaign in accessible versions are available here.
Ways to support the campaign are available here.