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Snapshot of Federal Poverty Levels

The US Census Bureau uses a set of 48 different poverty thresholds based on size and age of family to determine poverty status.  Because these are complex, many government aid programs use the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines.

HHS Poverty Guidelines:

2010 Rate: Persons per Household: 1-$10,830; 2-$14,570; 3-$18,310; 4-$22,050; 5-$25,790; 6-$29,530

2011 Rate: Persons per Household: 1-$10,890; 2-$14,710; 3-$18,530; 4-$22,350; 5-$26,170; 6-$29,990

2012 Rate: Persons per Household: 1-$11,170; 2-$15,130; 3-$19,090; 4-$23,050; 5-$27,010; 6-$30,970