Table 1

Families and individuals receiving public assistance, by age of family head and family work status

Total population Families/individuals receiving public assistance* Total benefits received
 Number  Share of category  Number  Share of category Rate of receipt Dollar amount (in billions) Share of benefits
Overall
Elderly families or individuals not in family households 29,563,000 21.2% 5,229,000 11.8% 17.7% $11.213 6.6%
Non-elderly families or individuals not in family households  109,680,000 78.8% 38,902,000 88.2% 35.5% $158.801 93.4%
Total  139,243,000 44,131,000 31.7% $170.013
Among all families or individuals in non-family households
Non-working families/individuals 42,216,000 30.3% 14,754,000 33.4% 34.9% $49.025 28.8%
Working families/individuals 97,027,000 69.7% 29,376,000 66.6% 30.3% $120.989 71.2%
Total  139,243,000 44,130,000 31.7% $170.013
Among non-elderly families or individuals in non-family households
Non-working families/individuals 21,319,000 19.4% 11,050,000 28.4% 51.8% $41.206 24.2%
Working families/individuals 88,361,000 80.6% 27,852,000 71.6% 31.5% $117.595 69.2%
Total  109,680,000 38,902,000 35.5% $158.801
Economic Policy Institute

Note: This report focuses on utilization of means-tested public assistance; thus, it does not include Social Security or Medicare, as they are programs available specifically and universally for retired or elderly people. Figures reflect participation by individuals or a co-resident family member in EITC, CTC, SNAP, LIHEAP, WIC, housing assistance, TANF/cash assistance, and/or Medicaid. Data are adjusted to match administrative totals for each program. Elderly families are those in which the family head is age 65 or older. Working families are those in which at least one person is working.

Source: EPI analysis of Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement microdata, pooled years 2012–2014

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