U.S. Poverty Surge: What Debtors & Lawyers Need to Know

U.S. Poverty Rate Soars in 2022

• Poverty Rate: Jumped from 7.8% (2021) to 12.4% (2022).
• Child Poverty: Doubled from 5.2% to 12.4%.
• Reasons for Increase: Expiration of pandemic federal aid and rising living costs.
• Previous Declines: Two years of significant poverty reduction due to pandemic safety net programs.
• Cost of Living: The poverty threshold for a family of four in a rental home increased from $31,453 (2021) to $34,518 (2022).
• Median Household Income: Dropped by 2.3% to $74,580 after adjusting for inflation.

Source of Authority: Ben Casselman and Lydia DePillis, "Poverty Rate Soared in 2022 as Aid Ended and Prices Rose," The New York Times, Sept. 12, 2023.

5 Implications for Consumer Debtors:

1. Financial Strain: With the expiration of federal aid programs and rising living costs, consumer debtors are likely to face increased financial strain. The inability to meet basic needs might push more individuals into debt.
2. Debt Accumulation: The combination of expired federal aid and escalating living costs may lead to an accumulation of debt for many consumers. As financial pressures mount, individuals might resort to borrowing to cover essential expenses, leading to a potential cycle of debt.
3. Mental and Physical Health: Prolonged financial stress can significantly affect mental and physical health. As they navigate their financial situations, consumer debtors might experience increased anxiety, stress-related illnesses, or other health challenges.
4. Increased Reliance on Charities: As government aid dwindles, consumer debtors might turn to charities, like food banks, for assistance. The article mentions the surge in demand at food banks after the expiration of federal aid programs.
5. Job Market Dynamics: While the job market has shown strength, not everyone has benefited equally. Those unable to secure full-time employment or higher-paying jobs might struggle more with debt.

5 Implications for Consumer Debt Lawyers:

1. Legal Defenses in Debt Collection Lawsuits: With the rise in poverty rates, there's a likelihood of an increase in debt collection lawsuits. Consumer debt lawyers should be well-versed in legal defenses that can be used in these lawsuits, such as challenging the amount of debt claimed, the statute of limitations, or the legitimacy of the creditor's claim. Lawyers can object to evidence and argue that certain documents are inadmissible hearsay, lack foundation, or lack authentication.
2. Rising Caseloads: The financial hardships faced by many will likely lead to an increase in cases related to debt settlements, bankruptcy filings, and other related legal issues. Lawyers should be prepared to handle a higher volume of cases and potentially offer flexible payment options for their services.
3. Negotiation with Creditors: As more individuals struggle to pay off their debts, lawyers will play a crucial role in negotiating with creditors. This might involve restructuring debt, settling for lesser amounts, or even challenging the validity of certain debts.
4. Educational Role: Given the complexities of debt laws and the potential for aggressive or even unlawful collection tactics by creditors, lawyers will need to educate their clients about their rights and the legal avenues available to them.
5. Policy Advocacy: The clear link between policy decisions, poverty rates, and consumer debt underscores the importance of lawyers advocating for policies that protect vulnerable populations. This might involve lobbying for changes in debt collection practices, interest rate caps, or other consumer protections.

In essence, the rise in poverty and the expiration of federal aid programs in 2022 have created a challenging environment for consumer debtors, which in turn has implications for the legal professionals who assist them.