This graph shows the profile of households in poverty by their main income source in 2017-18 and 2016-17. It shows that the largest group of households in poverty is that relying on social security.

2017-18

 Households relying on social security represent 51% of households in poverty when the 50% and 60% median income poverty lines are used. The share of households living in poverty who are reliant on mainly on wages is significant, reflecting the higher share of wage-earning households overall. This group represents 38% of households in poverty using the 50% median income poverty line and 40% using the 60% of median income poverty line.

2015-16

Households relying on social security represent 53% of households in poverty when the 50% median income poverty line is used and 55% when the 60% of median income poverty line. The share of households living in poverty who are reliant on mainly on wages is significant, reflecting the higher share of wage-earning households overall (38% of all households in 2015). This group represents 38% of households in poverty using the 50% median income poverty line and 49% using the 60% of median income poverty line.