The above graph shows the average poverty gap for households by main income source, and how that changed when COVID income supports were introduced in the fourth quarter of 2019-20.
Average poverty gaps were higher for households relying mainly on wages ($324) or investment and other incomes ($499).
The average poverty gaps for households mainly relying on social security fell substantially, by an average of $81 per week, when COVID income supports were introduced.
Average poverty gaps for households mainly relying on wages or ‘other’ incomes rose (by $25 and $50 respectively), likely due to a change in the profile of households below the poverty line relying mainly on wages or investment income at this time.