Takeaways
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More than 10 million older adults are living in poverty, and the Supplemental Poverty Measure rate for Americans over 65 rose to 15.4 percent in 2025.
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Rising food, housing, and health care costs hit low-income older adults on fixed incomes hardest, and many cut back on meals or medications to cover other bills.
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More than 9 million eligible older adults are not enrolled in programs that could help. Free tools like BenefitsCheckUp and the Eldercare Locator can connect them to financial support.
According to a Census Bureau report, over 10 million Americans over age 65 are living in poverty. This is the second year in a row that poverty numbers among older adults have been so high. Advocates for older adults, including Justice in Aging, are using these figures to urge Congress to strengthen Social Security.
What the Numbers Show
The Census Bureau tracks poverty in two ways: the official poverty measure and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). The official measure looks only at pretax cash income. The SPM additionally counts things like taxes, housing costs, medical expenses, and benefits, such as food assistance. Most experts see the second measure as a more realistic picture of everyday life.
By that measure, 15.4 percent of older adults were in poverty in 2025, up from 15.1 percent in 2024, and 14 percent in 2023. The 2025 SPM rate for all Americans was 13.1 percent. According to the AARP Foundation, poverty levels for those 65 and older have climbed from 9.4 percent in 2020. This is the largest increase of any age group measured.
How Poverty Affects Older Adults
Living in poverty at any age means making hard choices about basic expenses. This can be even more difficult for older adults who have to decide between paying for food, medicine, and housing. For those who need long-term care, rising assisted living and nursing home costs can strain an already stressed budget. Additionally, most cannot go back to work to earn more, and costs for housing and health care keep rising.
The survey from the AARP Foundation revealed 86 percent of low-income adults over 50 named rising prices as one of their top financial concerns. Just over 30 percent stated they have run out of food without having money to buy more.
The effects go beyond simply living on a tight budget. Further, the official poverty line does not capture everyone who struggles. Millions of older adults have incomes just above the poverty line but still fall short of economic security. For these households, a single emergency, such as a significant rent increase, a car repair, or a health crisis, can lead to serious financial hardship.
Because most older adults live on fixed incomes, they have little room to absorb these shocks. Many cut back on food, skip medications, or delay medical care to cover other bills. Others rely on family members or community programs to fill the gaps. This can have a serious effect on both quality of living and overall longevity.
What Is Being Done?
Social Security is the biggest protection against destitution. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), it kept almost 21 million older adults out of poverty in 2025. But the average benefit is only a little over $2,000 a month, and many people receive less than that.
Advocates also warn that Social Security may face a funding shortfall in the years ahead. They are asking Congress to raise the money needed to protect the sustainability of the program. Additionally, they urge representatives to reject cuts that would hurt the very people who depend on it.
Organizations such as Justice in Aging point to these numbers as evidence that more support is needed. They are petitioning Congress to strengthen Social Security, along with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, and Medicaid. SSI provides a basic income to older adults whose Social Security checks are too low with the goal of keeping them out of poverty. Advocates also note that higher costs for food, housing, health care, and fuel are reducing the buying power of fixed incomes.
Where to Turn for Help
Many older adults qualify for help they are not getting. NCOA estimates that more than 9 million eligible older adults are not enrolled in programs that could potentially help them. Part of this is a lack of information regarding available programs.
Here are a few places to start:
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BenefitsCheckUp. This is a free tool from NCOA. Answer a few questions and it suggests programs you may qualify for.
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Eldercare Locator. This national service connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging. They can provide assistance with meals, transportation, and in-home support.
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USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These benefits help pay for groceries. Contact your state or county benefits office to apply.
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Public Housing Agencies. These local agencies provide affordable rental homes for people with low incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. Application processes differ by state, and waiting lists can be long, so it’s a good idea to apply early.
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Medicare Savings Programs. Get help with navigating the Medicare system and find ways to save money. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments for people 65 and older with very limited income and resources. Contact Social Security online or call them at 1-800-772-1213.
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Medicaid. Medicaid covers health care, and in some cases long-term care, for people with low incomes and minimal assets. Rules vary by state, so be sure to research the rules where you live.
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Free legal help offices. If a benefit is denied or cut off, a local legal aid office may be able to help. Justice in Aging offers resources on older adults’ rights.
You can also call 211 to find food, housing, and utility help near you.
Strong programs make a real difference, but only for people who know about them and enroll. If you or someone you love may qualify, take the first step today. Even a mere phone call or an online screening can open the door to support.
Additional Reading
For additional reading on issues of interest to older adults, check out the following articles:
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