REVERSE MORTGAGES AND THE ECONOMIC-STATUS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Data from the 1990 Census of Population and Housing are used to estima te the potential demand for reverse mortgages among elderly women hous eholders. A reverse mortgage product is simulated using parameters bas ed on the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage insurance demonstration, and its effect on poverty and income distribution among this group is cal culated. Approximately 1.8 million women with low incomes and home equ ity of $40,000 and above could see a significant increase in income un der such a program.