Action Needed for Disabled Children Living in Poverty

New Zealand First is shocked by the number of children with disabilities living in poverty and is supporting calls by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) to investigate the reduction in Child Disability Allowances granted.

“The latest report from CPAG shows 15 percent of disabled children live in households with incomes under $30,000, compared with 10 percent of children overall,” says New Zealand First Disability Issues Spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“Despite this clear need for more support, the number of families being granted Child Disability Allowances has nearly halved since 2008, down to 6,500. This is despite an increase in the number of children with disabilities from 92,000 in 2001, to 95,000 in 2013.

“Families caring for children with disabilities overcome numerous barriers and hardships every day. Being forced to cope with the additional pressure of financial strain is a further unnecessary burden on these families and children.

“New Zealand First will be asking questions of the Ministry of Social Development demanding to know why there has been such a significant decrease in the number of allowances granted.

“The Government needs to take responsibility for ensuring all New Zealanders, especially the most vulnerable, are properly supported and able to live their lives with dignity, free from poverty. Action needs to be taken, and taken quickly, to rectify this situation,” says Ms Stewart.

ENDS

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