2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines And Chart

2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines And Chart Are You Living Below the Poverty Line Understanding Federal Poverty Guidelines In the United States the federal government defines poverty based on income levels and family size These guidelines are used to determine eligibility for a variety of programs including SNAP food stamps Medicaid and housing assistance Understanding where you fall in relation to these guidelines can be helpful for navigating social services and understanding your financial situation What are the Federal Poverty Guidelines The federal poverty guidelines are income thresholds that vary based on the size of a household and the state of residence For 2013 these guidelines were as follows 2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines Household Size Contiguous 48 States and DC Alaska Hawaii 1 Person 11490 14350 15220 2 People 15510 19390 20540 3 People 19530 24430 25860 4 People 23550 29470 31180 5 People 27570 34510 36500 6 People 31590 39550 41820 7 People 35610 44590 47140 8 People 39630 49630 52460 For each additional person 4020 5040 5320 Important Notes These guidelines are only for a general understanding of poverty levels They do not take into account individual circumstances such as disability medical expenses or housing costs The guidelines are adjusted annually You can find the most uptodate information on the official website of the US Department of Health and Human Services How to Determine Your Poverty Level 2 1 Determine your household size This includes all individuals residing in your home including yourself 2 Find your states poverty guidelines Use the chart above to identify the poverty level for your household size in your state 3 Compare your annual household income to the guideline If your income is at or below the poverty guideline you are considered to be living below the poverty line What does it mean to be below the poverty line Living below the poverty line can significantly impact your quality of life Some potential consequences include Limited access to basic necessities You may struggle to afford adequate food housing healthcare and transportation Higher risk of health problems Poverty can contribute to stress poor nutrition and lack of access to healthcare increasing the risk of chronic illnesses Challenges with education and employment Limited resources can make it harder to pursue educational opportunities and maintain stable employment Social stigma and discrimination Poverty can lead to social isolation and discrimination making it difficult to integrate into society If you are living below the poverty line what resources are available Several government programs and resources can help individuals and families living below the poverty line Some of the most common ones include SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Provides food assistance to lowincome households Medicaid Provides health insurance to lowincome individuals and families Housing Choice Voucher Program Helps lowincome families afford safe and affordable housing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF Provides financial assistance and support services to eligible families Earned Income Tax Credit EITC A tax credit for lowtomoderateincome working individuals and families Where to Find More Information US Department of Health and Human Services Provides comprehensive information on poverty guidelines social programs and resources Local social service agencies Many communities have organizations that offer assistance and 3 guidance for lowincome individuals and families Conclusion The federal poverty guidelines provide a crucial tool for understanding and addressing poverty in the United States By understanding your income level in relation to these guidelines you can explore available resources and seek assistance to improve your financial wellbeing and quality of life