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Cuts to Housing and Jobs for Low-Income Seniors

Published: 2011/04/14 - Updated: 2022/04/21
Author: National Council on Aging - Contact: ncoa.org
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
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Synopsis: Legislation scheduled to pass Congress this week seriously undermines the only federally funded jobs and housing programs specifically targeted for America's low-income senior. Currently, 1 in 3 seniors is economically insecure, living on an annual income of less than $22,000. Jobs and affordable housing are just two of many core components that empower older adults with the opportunities and resources necessary to live independently in their homes and communities. The lack of affordable senior housing is a long-standing problem that is growing more acute as our population ages. For every unit of federal housing assistance that becomes available, 10 seniors are on waiting lists, with increasing numbers homeless. According to a recent survey, 1.3 million elders have worst-case housing needs.

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Main Digest

The FY 2011 Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 1473) includes:

"If leaders in Washington were earnest about reducing unemployment and providing help to Americans with the greatest need, they would not have agreed to such large cuts in jobs and housing programs for low-income seniors," said Jim Firman, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

SCSEP is the only major jobs program targeted specifically to helping older adults who need to remain in or return to the workforce to avoid financial crisis. Those eligible for SCSEP have extremely low incomes, usually 125% of the federal poverty line or less, although nearly 90% of all participants live impoverished with annual incomes at or below $10,890. This cut would result in the loss of 58,000 part-time jobs. And according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, older workers who have lost a job are more likely than any other age group to face very long-term unemployment and remain jobless for 99 weeks or more.

The lack of affordable senior housing is a long-standing problem that is growing more acute as our population ages. For every unit of federal housing assistance that becomes available, 10 seniors are on waiting lists, with increasing numbers homeless. According to a recent survey, 1.3 million elders have worst-case housing needs.

Currently, 1 in 3 seniors is economically insecure, living on an annual income of less than $22,000. Jobs and affordable housing are just two of many core components that empower older adults with the opportunities and resources necessary to live independently in their homes and communities.

"NCOA urges Congress and the Administration to make investments in jobs and housing programs to help older Americans who are only one bad break away from bankruptcy and homelessness," said NCOA's Firman.

Employment and benefits are important pieces of the puzzle for older adults who are living near poverty. NCOA is committed to helping older adults build greater economic security and offers a variety of other resources, including:

National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our Disability Political Editorials section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Cuts to Housing and Jobs for Low-Income Seniors" was originally written by National Council on Aging, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2011/04/14 (Updated: 2022/04/21). Should you require further information or clarification, National Council on Aging can be contacted at ncoa.org. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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Cite This Page (APA): National Council on Aging. (2011, April 14). Cuts to Housing and Jobs for Low-Income Seniors. Disabled World. Retrieved October 4, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/editorials/political/housing-job-cuts.php

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