25% Of Connecticut Households Above Federal Poverty Level But Struggle To Meet Basic Needs

About a quarter of Connecticut households are above the federal poverty level but have earnings or retirement income that is barely enough to meet basic necessities, the Connecticut United Ways say in a new report.

The income threshold varies by family size. A single mother with three children would need to have a combined $64,689 in wages and child support to get past what the agency characterizes as a “survival budget.” For a single person, the figure is $21,944.

When families are in this fix, the report says, the stress of juggling bills and trying to pick up extra hours means they may not have time to cook healthy food or exercise to stay healthy. Children may go unsupervised after school. The families might put off doctor or dentist visits, worsening health problems.

United Way calls families like these ALICE, for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Seventy percent of the ALICE households are individuals or families where everyone is younger than 65.

“They’re our friends, the Little League coach, a family member,” said Richard Poth, head of the United Way of Connecticut.

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