AARP Foundation President Issues Statement on Senior Poverty and U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 American Community Survey

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Sep 16, 2016, 01:57 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson today issued the following statement on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 American Community Survey and the 2015 Supplemental Poverty Measure as they relate to poverty among people age 65-plus:

"The newly released statistics show that poverty has declined overall since 2014, including among those who are 65 or older. This is encouraging news, but too many people of all ages still live below the poverty line — 43 million overall and more than 6.5 million people 65 and older. We still have much work to do.

"The new data contained in the Supplemental Poverty Measure also indicates the tremendous positive impact of benefits available to low-income families, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The figures show that SNAP lowers the poverty rate by 1.4 percent, representing 4.6 million people of all ages. Without EITC, poverty would be 2.9 percent higher.

"AARP Foundation proudly supports efforts to help lift older adults out of poverty, including programs that help vulnerable seniors enroll in SNAP and through its Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax-preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. Last year, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helped more than 2.7 million taxpayers receive $243 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

"As a nation, we are making progress in the fight against poverty, but we must continue to address the needs of those who often struggle on their own and out of sight. Too many struggling seniors have to make the daily choice between putting food on the table and paying for medicine. AARP Foundation is committed to working with partners in communities across the U.S. to help improve the lives of all vulnerable older adults."

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income, vulnerable older adults have access to nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining social bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance the most effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable affiliate of AARP.

Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

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SOURCE AARP Foundation