Among women 18-44 years of age, 29 percent of bisexual women and 23 percent of lesbians are living in poverty, compared to 21 percent of their heterosexual counterparts.Low-income LGBT individuals and same-sex/gender couples have been found more likely to receive cash assistance and food stamps benefits compared to heterosexual individuals or couples.Prior research has shown that LGBT people and same-sex/gender couples are more vulnerable to conditions of poverty as compared to heterosexual people and couples (Badgett, Durso, & Schneebaum, 2013 Grant et al., 2011). Thus, SES is inherently related to the rights, quality of life and general well-being of LGBT persons. Evidence indicates individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) are especially susceptible to socioeconomic disadvantages.
