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What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in Florida?
Date Updated: November 25, 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
When looking at low-cost and free services for senior citizens in Florida, you first need to consider the low-income threshold for Florida seniors. Low-income seniors in the Sunshine State fall within the federal poverty level guidelines in the United States of those with incomes of no more than $15,060 per year in 2024.
The poverty guidelines change each year based on three times the cost of a minimum food diet. These guidelines also shift depending on the size of the family, with a household of two required to earn less than $20,440 per year. The government considers income as any money received from all sources, including Social Security, retirement, salaries, and stocks.
Percentage of Florida’s Seniors Who are Considered Low Income
In 2022 in Florida, the number of Florida's seniors aged 65 and older who fell within the federal poverty guidelines was at 12%. In comparison, the national average was slightly lower at 10.9%.
Home Health Care Financial Assistance for Low-Income Seniors in Florida
Florida seniors may qualify for state Medicaid, which can help cover part of the cost of home health care. For a single person, care in a nursing home, memory care facility, or other institutional care situation requires an income of $2,829 a month or less. There is an asset limit of $3,000.
Medicaid recipients who reside in independent living or assisted living facilities, who may need help with their activities of daily living (ADLs) but don't need round-the-clock care, must earn $1,105 a month or less and have assets of less than $5,000 to be eligible for long-term care assistance. Married couples have higher limits.
There are also other Florida elderly assistance programs for low-income individuals. Some low-income seniors, for example, may qualify for Florida's Home Care for the Elderly Program. This program provides a subsidy of $160 a month, which recipients can use for medications, assistive devices, and home health care for elders living in family-type settings within private homes. Additional special subsidies may also be available for specific needs.
Low-income seniors can benefit from cities with a lower cost of living when choosing where to retire, including Homosassa and Crystal River.