New report reveals that federal poverty data significantly undercounts how many people with disabilities are struggling to afford the basics. 
The number of people with disabilities in Connecticut who struggle to afford the basics is far higher than federal poverty data indicates — 48% compared to 16% — according to a new report from United Way of Connecticut and its research partner United For ALICE.
In 2019, while 16% of residents with disabilities were deemed in poverty, 32% — twice as many — were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to live and work in the modern economy. Combined, 48% of Connecticut residents living with disabilities were below the ALICE Threshold, with income that doesn’t meet the basic costs of housing, childcare, health care, transportation and a smartphone plan.
Kathleen Stauffer, CEO of The Arc Eastern Connecticut and a director on the Board of The Arc of the United States shares that “People with disabilities want the same things the rest of us want - jobs, housing and community affirmation. The American Dream needs to be real for all of us, for people of all abilities. If there is a perception that Connecticut does a better job supporting people with disabilities and their families, the ALICE in Focus report proves that folks in this state are no better off than their peers in other states. Human service providers have long understood that, and we look forward to working with our advocates and our leaders to address the situation.”
Click here to download the full report.
