Biweekly survey data from the Census Bureau shows that 85.4 million American adults, or 35.6 percent, report trouble paying for typical household bills such as food, medicine and rent, The Hill reported. That figure, which covers the period of Nov. 25 through Dec. 7, is up significantly since early September, when it hovered at 76.5 million, or 31.9 percent. The survey shows steady increases in other areas of concern in recent weeks as well. The number of people without enough to eat rose from 22.4 million, or 10.3 percent, to 27.4 million, or 12.7 percent. The number of adults who aren't sure they can make their rent or mortgage payments rose from 9.9 million, or 7 percent, in early October, to 12.9 million, or 9.1 percent, in December. Expectations of job loss spiked as well, with 76.7 million, or 31 percent, saying they expect that they or someone in their household will lose employment in the coming month. That figure is up from 58.3 million, or 28.3 percent, two months earlier.
