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New AARP Study Establishes Basic Needs Affordability Threshold

 The basic costs of living for older Vermonters far exceed the poverty levels set by the federal government – levels often used to determine eligibility for public assistance programs. A new study released by AARP Vermont today details the costs for elders to meet the basic needs of living here, and establishes an affordability baseline called the Elder Economic Security Standard (EESS). Similar to the process of setting a livable wage calculation for Vermont workers, this data highlights the heavy economic burden on older residents (retired residents over age 65), many of whom live on very modest fixed incomes. It factors in the costs of housing, food, transportation, health care, and a host of miscellaneous expenses such as furniture, clothing, telephone and household supplies, etc. 

 

The study is being released today as attention focuses on Vermont’s affordability and poverty problems at the 2009 Governor’s Summit on Pathways to Economic Stability. The summit is taking place in the Vermont Statehouse.

 

“This standard provides a baseline for policymakers, state agencies and government officials as they look at programs that support this population,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP state director. “The most glaring finding here is the huge gap between the Vermont EESS and the federal poverty level used to determine eligibility for a host of state and federal assistance programs. The current poverty levels are clearly outdated and do not reflect the reality of today’s cost of living.”

 

For example, to meet their basic needs, a couple over age 65 with a mortgage needs nearly triple the $13,014 poverty level as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A couple without a mortgage still needs $28,505 a year to meet their basic needs – more than twice the federal poverty level – according to the EESS research. The EESS for an individual (without a mortgage) is $21,058 – the highest of any state for which similar data is available.

 

Other measures point out the large segments of the over 65 population living at or below the edge of poverty. In recognition of this, eligibility for many public assistance programs is set at multiples of the poverty threshold (i.e., 150%, 200%, etc.). So it is disturbing to learn that: a.) 18% of married couples 65+ earn less than $15,000; b.) 27% of households 65-74 are below 200% of poverty; and c.) 40% of households 75+ have incomes below 200% of poverty.

 

Given well-known increases in costs over the years, it is not surprising that so many older Vermonters are now struggling. Since 2002, the cumulative cost of living adjustment for Social Security was 17%. During that same period, rents grew by 32%, heating oil 113%, natural gas 89%, and gasoline 26% (this includes the recent decline in some prices).

 

As evident below, the costs just for the most basic needs are substantial and these calculations are made on a conservative basis.

 

 

Figures assume the elders are in "good health" and do not include the cost of any long-term care

needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Demographic, Economic, and Social Measures

 

82,771               Population 65 years and older (13% of total population)

57,851               Households with at least one person 65 or older (23% of all HH)

$1,075               Average monthly Social Security retirement benefit

81%                 Percent of households w/householder 65 or older that are owner occupied

19%                 Percent of households w/householder 65 or older that rent

36%                 Percent 65 and older paying 30% or more of income for owner-occupied                                      housing costs

31,083               Population 65 and older with a disability (38% of all elders)

27%                 Percent employed ages 65 to 74

70%                 Percent of those 65 and older below poverty who are women

19%                 Percent of those 65 – 74 who are veterans

 

 

The AARP funded research was guided by advocates from the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE), The Vermont Commission on Women and the Peace and Justice Center. It was conducted by Doug Hoffer, a Vermont economic and policy analyst based in Burlington. For a copy of the report and more comparative data,  contact Dave Reville at AARP Vermont at 802-951-1303 or dreville@aarp.org.

 

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