2009 - 2021 FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
Each year the Federal Poverty Level is measured by the Federal Government and the Census Bureau.
The Department of Health and Human Services describes what are the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the U.S. A number of different programs for the low-income depend on these guidelines.
Programs using the guidelines (or percentage multiples of the guidelines: 125%, 150% or 185%) in determining eligibility include:
* Food Stamp Program
* National School Lunch Program (for free and reduced-price meals only)
* Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
* Child and Adult Care Food Program (for free and reduced-price meals only)
* School Breakfast Program (for free and reduced-price meals only)
* Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
* State Children’s Health Insurance Program
* Migrant Health Centers
* Medicare – Prescription Drug Coverage (subsidized portion only)
* PARTS of Medicaid (31 percent of eligibles in Fiscal Year 2004)
* AIDS Drug Assistance Program
* Legal Services for the Poor
* Head Start
* Community Food and Nutrition Program
* Community Services Block Grant
* Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
* Hill-Burton Uncompensated Services Program
* Community Health Centers
* Family Planning Services
* Health Professions Student Loans — Loans for Disadvantaged Students
* Health Careers Opportunity Program
* Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals
* Senior Community Service Employment Program
* Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons
* Job Corps
* National Farmworker Jobs Program
* Scholarships for Health Professions Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
* Workforce Investment Act Youth Activities
* Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics
* Senior Companion Program
* Foster Grandparent Program
Programs that do NOT use the poverty guidelines in determining eligibility:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and its predecessor, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) (in most cases)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Large parts of Medicaid (69 percent of eligibles in Fiscal Year 2004)
- State/local-funded General Assistance (in most cases)
- Section 8 low-income housing assistance
- Low-rent public housing
Understanding the Federal Poverty Level in the US
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a crucial metric that plays a significant role in determining eligibility for various government assistance programs in the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the purpose, definition, benefits, and frequently asked questions surrounding the Federal Poverty Level.
Purpose of the Federal Poverty Level:
The FPL serves as a baseline measurement used by federal agencies to assess an individual or family's economic standing. Understanding this metric is essential for accessing a range of social welfare programs and subsidies designed to assist those in need.
Definition of the Federal Poverty Level:
The Federal Poverty Level is an income threshold established annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It takes into account factors such as family size, geographic location, and inflation, providing a standardized measure to evaluate economic hardship across diverse households.
Benefits of the Federal Poverty Level:
Access to Government Assistance Programs:
The FPL determines eligibility for programs such as Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ensuring that those below the threshold receive the support they require.
Affordable Care Act Subsidies:
Individuals and families falling below the FPL may qualify for subsidies when purchasing health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, making healthcare more accessible.
Educational Assistance:
The Federal Poverty Level also influences eligibility for educational assistance programs, ensuring that those in need have access to resources for academic pursuits.
Housing Assistance:
Various housing assistance programs, including Section 8, utilize the FPL to determine eligibility, providing affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families.
The Federal Poverty Level is a pivotal tool in the United States for assessing and addressing economic hardship. Understanding its purpose, definition, and benefits is essential for individuals and families seeking access to crucial government assistance programs. By providing a standardized measure of economic need, the FPL plays a vital role in promoting social welfare and ensuring a more equitable society.
Federal Poverty Level Guidelines that determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs.
2009 POVERTY GUIDELINE for the 48 Contiguous States and DC:
1 Persons in family: $10,830 (125%: $13,538)
2 Persons in family: $14,570 (125%: $18,213)
3 Persons in family: $18,310 (125%: $22,888)
4 Persons in family: $22,050 (125%: $27,563)
5 Persons in family: $25,790 (125%: $32,238)
6 Persons in family: $29,530 (125%: $36,913)
7 Persons in family: $33,270 (125%: $41,588)
8 Persons in family: $37,010 (125%: $46,263)
For families with more than 8 individuals, add $3,740 for each additional person. (125% = $4,675)
2009 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines - HAWAII
1 Persons in family: $12,460
2 Persons in family: $16,760
3 Persons in family: $21,060
4 Persons in family: $25,360
5 Persons in family: $29,660
6 Persons in family: $33,960
7 Persons in family: $38,260
8 Persons in family: $42,560
For families with more than 8 members, add $4,300 for each additional person.
2009 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines - ALASKA
1 Persons in family: $13,530
2 Persons in family: $18,210
3 Persons in family: $22,890
4 Persons in family: $27,570
5 Persons in family: $32,250
6 Persons in family: $36,930
7 Persons in family: $41,610
8 Persons in family: $46,290
For families with more than 8 persons, add $4,680 for each additional person.
2010 Poverty Guidelines - Continental US
1 Persons in family: $10,830
2 Persons in family: $14,570
3 Persons in family: $18,310
4 Persons in family: $22,050
5 Persons in family: $25,790
6 Persons in family: $29,530
7 Persons in family: $33,270
8 Persons in family: $37,010
2011 Poverty Guidelines - Continental US
1 Persons in family: $10,890
2 Persons in family: $14,710
3 Persons in family: $18,530
4 Persons in family: $22,350
5 Persons in family: $26,170
6 Persons in family: $29,990
7 Persons in family: $33,810
8 Persons in family: $37,630
2012 Poverty Guidelines - Continental US
1 Persons in family: $11,170
2 Persons in family: $15,130
3 Persons in family: $19,090
4 Persons in family: $23,050
5 Persons in family: $27,010
6 Persons in family: $30,970
7 Persons in family: $34,930
8 Persons in family: $38,890
2020 Federal Poverty Level
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) figures are typically updated annually, and for the year 2020, the poverty guidelines were released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The figures vary based on family size and are also influenced by the geographic location of the household.
As of the most recent information available to me, the 2020 Federal Poverty Level for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia was as follows:
- For a single-person household: $12,880
- For a family of 4: $26,200
It's important to note that these figures can change annually, and the values may differ for Alaska and Hawaii due to the higher cost of living in those states. Additionally, there are separate guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories.
2021 Federal Poverty Level
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) figures for 2021 were available. The figures vary based on family size and are also influenced by the geographic location of the household.
For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the 2021 Federal Poverty Level was as follows:
- For a single-person household: $12,880
- For a family of 4: $26,500
It's important to note that these figures can change annually, and there are separate guidelines for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories due to the higher cost of living in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the Federal Poverty Level used for?
A: The Federal Poverty Level is used as a standard to assess eligibility for various government assistance programs, including healthcare, nutrition, education, and housing.
How is the Federal Poverty Level calculated?
A: The calculation considers factors such as family size, geographic location, and inflation. The Department of Health and Human Services updates the FPL annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Why is the Federal Poverty Level important?
A: The FPL is crucial as it ensures that individuals and families facing economic hardship have access to essential support services, promoting social welfare and economic equality.
Does the Federal Poverty Level vary by state?
A: Yes, the FPL varies by geographic location to account for differences in the cost of living. States with higher living costs have a higher FPL.
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