The charity has claimed that previous government figures underestimate how many of the 800,000 disabled children in the UK are living in poverty because they have not fully taken into account additional transport, household and childcare costs.
According to The Children’s Society’s analysis of the latest Family Resources Survey and Household Below Average Income data, four in 10 disabled children are living in poverty, with a third of those in severe poverty.
The charity also found that when a disabled child is in a household that also has a disabled adult, half will be living in poverty.
Chief executive Bob Reitemeier said: "These findings are staggering and very worrying. It seems that all forms of support for disabled children are seriously hampered when families live on a low income. Hidden costs, such as transport, heating and learning aids, are forcing more disabled children and young people and their families into poverty."
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