What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in New York?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

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

Government guidelines state that an annual income of $17,667 or less for a one-person household is considered low income for seniors in New York. A two-person senior household earning a monthly income of $1,984 or less is also a low-income household. Low-income seniors aged 60 years or older can still benefit from the services of home health agencies in New York through Medicaid and other government-funded services for seniors.

Low Senior Income in New York

According to data from the New York state government, one in five, or around 21%, of people aged 65 years and older in New York live below the poverty level. While the severity of poverty among other sections of the population has decreased since 2010, senior poverty has continued to rise.

High poverty levels reduce seniors’ ability to meet their basic needs, including paying for food, housing and transport. Low-income seniors are also unable to meet the costs of their increasing health needs, experiencing worse health outcomes, poor personal care, reduced home hygiene and increased social isolation as they age.

Cost of Home Health Care in New York

Home care or in-home services help seniors age in their homes and communities. Home health care aides are certified professionals who assist seniors with health issues. They can provide wound care after injuries or surgeries and various forms of physical and occupational therapy to support healing after a stroke or cardiac arrest. A health care aide can also provide medication reminders to ensure the senior keeps up with their prescriptions and maintain medical equipment such as catheters, oxygen tanks and feeding tubes.