2009 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

Each year the Federal Government and the Census Bureau measure the federal poverty level.

The Department of Health and Human Services describes what are the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2009. 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

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* 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

Federal Poverty Level Guidelines that determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs.

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 Poverty 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 Poverty 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.