Report Home The current official poverty measure, which the federal government uses both in publishing statistics on income and in setting eligibility standards for certain public programs, was developed in the early 1960s. Only a few minor changes have been implemented since it was first adopted in 1965. In response to a Congressional committee's request for an independent scientific study of poverty, the National Academy of Science (NAS) established the Panel on Poverty and Family Assistance which developed a new experimental approach to poverty measurement. For this AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Brief, Ke Bin Wu used the Census Bureau report and his analysis found that the NAS's experimental poverty rates are significantly higher than the current official poverty rates, particularly for older persons. (13 pages) Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
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