Financial Stability of Individuals with Disabilities: A Comparative Analysis of the Balkans and Baltics

Press Release: Financial Struggles of Individuals with Disabilities in the EU

Published: August 28, 2025

A recent report from Eurostat highlights the alarming financial challenges faced by individuals with disabilities within the European Union (EU). Nearly 25% of people with disabilities report financial difficulties, a stark contrast to their non-disabled counterparts.

Countries like Luxembourg (8%), Germany (11%), the Netherlands (11.2%), and Finland (13.2%) fare better economically. In contrast, Greece and Bulgaria show troubling figures, with 75.5% and 52%, respectively, of individuals with disabilities facing significant financial strain.

While holding a job typically reduces the risk of poverty, many people with disabilities remain economically vulnerable. Currently, only 50% of individuals with disabilities are employed, compared to 75% of those without. Furthermore, almost 10% of disabled individuals are at risk of poverty. A notable employment gap of 24 percentage points exists between these two groups, the largest of any labor market inequality, according to recent findings.

Education disparities contribute significantly to this employment gap. A study in the journal Education Economics reveals that 19% of the difference in employment rates among 25–34-year-olds in the EU can be attributed to educational inequalities between individuals with and without disabilities.

Unexpected expenses, such as medical treatment or urgent home repairs, add to the financial burden, especially in countries like Lithuania and Bulgaria, where coping with these costs is notably tougher. Social benefits play a critical role in mitigating the risk of poverty, with nearly 70% of those with disabilities facing potential poverty without such support. Yet, even with assistance, over 30% remain at risk in regions like the Baltic states and Croatia.

The data underscores the urgent need for enhanced accessibility to jobs, education, and social services to better support the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities across Europe.

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