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What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in Florida?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Low-income seniors in Florida fall within the federal poverty level guidelines in the United States, which are those with incomes of no more than $13,590 per year. The poverty guidelines change each year and are based on three times the cost of a minimum food diet. The guidelines also change depending on the size of the family. Income is considered any money received from all sources, including Social Security, retirement, salaries and stocks.
Percentage of Florida’s Seniors Who are Considered Low Income
In 2019 in Florida, the number of Florida’s seniors aged 65 and older who fell within the federal poverty guidelines was at 17.5 percent. In comparison, the national average was slightly higher at 19.9 percent.
Home Health Care Financial Assistance for Low-Income Seniors in Florida
Florida seniors are eligible for state Medicaid, which can help cover part of the cost of home health care. An applicant’s income can’t exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level of $2,742 per month with assets totaling no more than $2,000. Low-income seniors can benefit from cities with a lower cost of living when choosing where to retire, including Homosassa and Crystal River.