The number of people unable to afford a standard living decreased last year, but relative poverty among single-parent families and absolute poverty both increased.
Relative poverty refers to a situation where a person is not in direct material deprivation but cannot afford the standard of living considered typical in society.
According to data from the Estonian social survey conducted by Statistics Estonia, 263,200 people – more than 19 percent of the population – were living in relative poverty last year.
Compared to the previous year, the number of people living in relative poverty fell by 11,600, with a noticeable decline among people aged 65 and older. At the same time, however, the rate increased among single-parent households, due to rising pensions and reduced family benefits.
“In 2024, benefits for large families were reduced and the employment rate also declined. The latter contributed to a rise in relative poverty among both single-parent families and couples with one child,” said Epp Remmelg, lead analyst at Statistics Estonia.
Read more: ERR.EE
