Statistics on income and living conditions (SILC)

The Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) is a key instrument used by Eurostat and national statistical institutes across the European Union (EU) to collect and analyse data on income, poverty, social exclusion, and living conditions. This survey provides comprehensive, comparable statistics that are crucial for monitoring social inclusion and living standards in the EU.

The main objective of SILC is to gather data that helps understand the distribution of income, the extent of poverty and social exclusion, and the overall living conditions of individuals and households within the EU. The survey supports the development and evaluation of social and economic policies aimed at improving living standards and reducing inequality.

SILC covers all EU Member States, as well as some non-EU countries, including EFTA countries and candidate countries. It collects data from households and individuals aged 16 and over, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as low-income households, single-parent families, and the elderly. SILC is conducted annually, with each participating country responsible for collecting data according to harmonized guidelines set by Eurostat. The data collection involves household interviews, and sometimes the use of administrative records, to gather detailed information.

The survey caters to the following key domains, inter alia:

• Income: SILC provides detailed data on household income, including earnings from work, pensions, social benefits, and other sources. It also measures disposable income after taxes and transfers.
• Poverty and social exclusion: The survey includes indicators such as the at-risk-of-poverty rate, material deprivation, and the share of people living in households with very low work intensity.
• Living conditions: Data on housing conditions, access to essential services, and the quality of the living environment are also collected.
• Social Indicators: SILC measures inequality through indicators like the Gini coefficient and income quintile share ratio. It also looks at the intergenerational transmission of poverty and social mobility.
• At-risk-of-poverty rate: The percentage of the population living below the poverty threshold, which is set at 60% of the national median equivalized disposable income.
• Material deprivation Rate: The proportion of people who cannot afford a certain standard of living, such as being able to pay rent or utility bills, keep their home adequately warm, or afford a week’s holiday away from home.
• Severe material deprivation Rate: A stricter measure, indicating those unable to afford at least four out of nine essential items.
• Low work intensity: The proportion of people living in households where adults work less than 20% of their total work potential during the past year.

SILC provides both cross-sectional data (data collected at a specific point in time) and longitudinal data (data collected over several years from the same households), allowing for the analysis of trends and changes in income and living conditions over time. The SILC survey is a vital tool for understanding the social fabric of Europe, providing insights into how income distribution, poverty, and living conditions affect different segments of the population. It plays a critical role in shaping social policy, targeting interventions to reduce poverty, and promoting social inclusion across the EU. The data was essential for monitoring progress towards the Europe 2020 strategy’s poverty and social exclusion targets. It is also used to assess the impact of social and economic policies at both national and EU levels, particularly in the context of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It is designed to ensure that the data collected is comparable across countries and over time. Eurostat provides methodological guidelines and ensures that national surveys adhere to common standards, making the data robust for cross-country comparisons.