What Income Is Below The Poverty Line? Understanding the federal poverty level is vital for identifying partnership opportunities and boosting your income. At income-partners.net, we provide the resources and connections you need to explore various income-generating strategies and collaborative ventures to elevate your financial standing above the poverty threshold. Learn how strategic alliances and innovative business models can significantly impact your earning potential, and discover ways to create substantial income growth through effective partnerships and financial strategies.
1. Understanding The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) In 2025
What are the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and how do they define financial hardship? The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) are income thresholds that determine eligibility for various government assistance programs. These guidelines are essential for identifying individuals and families struggling to meet basic needs. Understanding these levels can help you assess your financial situation and seek relevant support.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) serve as benchmarks for determining income eligibility for a range of federal and state assistance programs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these guidelines represent the minimum annual income required for an individual or family to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, clothing, and transportation. These guidelines vary based on household size and location, with separate figures for the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, and Hawaii, reflecting the differing costs of living.
These guidelines play a crucial role in determining eligibility for vital support programs. For example, many states use the FPL to determine eligibility for Medicaid, providing healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay for home heating and cooling costs, while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food assistance to those in need. Understanding these guidelines is essential for both those seeking assistance and organizations aiming to support vulnerable populations.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updates the Federal Poverty Guidelines annually, typically in mid to late January, to account for inflation and changes in the cost of living. These updates ensure that the guidelines accurately reflect the economic realities faced by low-income individuals and families. It’s important to note that the FPL is distinct from the Federal Poverty Threshold, which is used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes, such as estimating the number of Americans living in poverty. According to research from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, in July 2025, the FPL updates are crucial for ensuring that assistance programs effectively reach those who need them most.
1.1. 2025 Federal Poverty Level Chart For The 48 Contiguous States
What are the specific income levels that define poverty in most of the United States? The 2025 Federal Poverty Level for the 48 contiguous states is $15,650 for an individual, increasing with household size, and it is crucial for determining eligibility for various assistance programs. Knowing these levels helps assess needs and opportunities.
| Household/Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $20,815 | $21,597 | $23,475 | $31,300 | $46,950 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $28,130 | $29,187 | $31,725 | $42,300 | $63,450 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $35,445 | $36,777 | $39,975 | $53,300 | $79,950 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $42,760 | $44,367 | $48,225 | $64,300 | $96,450 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $50,075 | $51,957 | $56,475 | $75,300 | $112,950 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $57,390 | $59,547 | $64,725 | $86,300 | $129,450 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $64,705 | $67,137 | $72,975 | $97,300 | $145,950 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $72,020 | $74,727 | $81,225 | $108,300 | $162,450 | $216,600 |
| Each person over 8, add | $5,500 | $7,315 | $7,590 | $8,250 | $11,000 | $16,500 | $22,000 |
1.2. Monthly Income Levels For The 48 Contiguous States
What is the monthly income considered below the poverty line in the majority of US states? For the 48 contiguous states, the monthly Federal Poverty Level is $1,304.17 for an individual, varying by household size, and serves as a crucial benchmark for assessing financial need. Understanding these figures aids in effective resource allocation and support.
| Household/Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304.17 | $1,734.54 | $1,799.75 | $1,956.25 | $2,608.33 | $3,912.50 | $5,216.67 |
| 2 | $1,762.50 | $2,344.13 | $2,432.25 | $2,643.75 | $3,525.00 | $5,287.50 | $7,050.00 |
| 3 | $2,220.83 | $2,953.71 | $3,064.75 | $3,331.25 | $4,441.67 | $6,662.50 | $8,883.33 |
| 4 | $2,679.17 | $3,563.29 | $3,697.25 | $4,018.75 | $5,358.33 | $8,037.50 | $10,716.67 |
| 5 | $3,137.50 | $4,172.88 | $4,329.75 | $4,706.25 | $6,275.00 | $9,412.50 | $12,550.00 |
| 6 | $3,595.83 | $4,782.46 | $4,962.25 | $5,393.75 | $7,191.67 | $10,787.50 | $14,383.33 |
| 7 | $4,054.17 | $5,392.04 | $5,594.75 | $6,081.25 | $8,108.33 | $12,162.50 | $16,216.67 |
| 8 | $4,512.50 | $6,001.63 | $6,227.25 | $6,768.75 | $9,025.00 | $13,537.50 | $18,050.00 |
| Each person over 8, add | $458 | $610 | $633 | $688 | $917 | $1,375 | $1,833 |
1.3. 2025 Federal Poverty Level For Alaska
What income is considered below the poverty line in Alaska? In Alaska, the 2025 Federal Poverty Level is higher due to the increased cost of living, with an annual income of $19,550 for an individual. Understanding this specific guideline is essential for Alaskans.
| Household/Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,550 | $26,002 | $26,979 | $29,325 | $39,100 | $58,650 | $78,200 |
| 2 | $26,430 | $35,152 | $36,473 | $39,645 | $52,860 | $79,290 | $105,720 |
| 3 | $33,310 | $44,302 | $45,968 | $49,965 | $66,620 | $99,930 | $133,240 |
| 4 | $40,190 | $53,453 | $55,462 | $60,285 | $80,380 | $120,570 | $160,760 |
| 5 | $47,070 | $62,603 | $64,957 | $70,605 | $94,140 | $141,210 | $188,280 |
| 6 | $53,950 | $71,754 | $74,451 | $80,925 | $107,900 | $161,850 | $215,800 |
| 7 | $60,830 | $80,904 | $83,945 | $91,245 | $121,660 | $182,490 | $243,320 |
| 8 | $67,710 | $90,054 | $93,440 | $101,565 | $135,420 | $203,130 | $270,840 |
| Each person over 8, add | $6,880 | $9,150 | $9,494 | $10,320 | $13,760 | $20,640 | $27,520 |
1.4. Monthly Income Levels For Alaska
What is the monthly income that defines poverty in Alaska? The monthly Federal Poverty Level in Alaska is $1,629 for an individual, reflecting the state’s higher cost of living. Being aware of this figure helps residents and support organizations plan effectively.
| Household/Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,629 | $2,167 | $2,248 | $2,444 | $3,258 | $4,888 | $6,517 |
| 2 | $2,203 | $2,929 | $3,039 | $3,304 | $4,405 | $6,608 | $8,810 |
| 3 | $2,776 | $3,692 | $3,831 | $4,164 | $5,552 | $8,328 | $11,103 |
| 4 | $3,349 | $4,454 | $4,622 | $5,024 | $6,698 | $10,048 | $13,397 |
| 5 | $3,923 | $5,217 | $5,413 | $5,884 | $7,845 | $11,768 | $15,690 |
| 6 | $4,496 | $5,979 | $6,204 | $6,744 | $8,992 | $13,488 | $17,983 |
| 7 | $5,069 | $6,742 | $6,995 | $7,604 | $10,138 | $15,208 | $20,277 |
| 8 | $5,643 | $7,505 | $7,787 | $8,464 | $11,285 | $16,928 | $22,570 |
| Each person over 8, add | $573 | $763 | $791 | $860 | $1,147 | $1,720 | $2,293 |
1.5. 2025 Federal Poverty Level For Hawaii
What is the poverty line income in Hawaii? Due to Hawaii’s high cost of living, the 2025 Federal Poverty Level is $17,990 annually for an individual. Understanding this level is essential for Hawaii residents.
| Household /Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,990 | $23,927 | $24,826 | $26,985 | $35,980 | $53,970 | $71,960 |
| 2 | $24,320 | $32,346 | $33,562 | $36,480 | $48,640 | $72,960 | $97,280 |
| 3 | $30,650 | $40,765 | $42,297 | $45,975 | $61,300 | $91,950 | $122,600 |
| 4 | $36,980 | $49,183 | $51,032 | $55,470 | $73,960 | $110,940 | $147,920 |
| 5 | $43,310 | $57,602 | $59,768 | $64,965 | $86,620 | $129,930 | $173,240 |
| 6 | $49,640 | $66,021 | $68,503 | $74,460 | $99,280 | $148,920 | $198,560 |
| 7 | $55,970 | $74,440 | $77,239 | $83,955 | $111,940 | $167,910 | $223,880 |
| 8 | $62,300 | $82,859 | $85,974 | $93,450 | $124,600 | $186,900 | $249,200 |
| Each person over 8, add | $6,330 | $8,419 | $8,735 | $9,495 | $12,660 | $18,990 | $25,320 |
1.6. Monthly Income Levels For Hawaii
What monthly income is considered below the poverty level in Hawaii? In Hawaii, the monthly Federal Poverty Level is $1,499 for an individual, which takes into account the state’s high living costs. This information is crucial for understanding economic needs in Hawaii.
| Household /Family Size | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,499 | $1,994 | $2,069 | $2,249 | $2,998 | $4,498 | $5,997 |
| 2 | $2,027 | $2,695 | $2,797 | $3,040 | $4,053 | $6,080 | $8,107 |
| 3 | $2,554 | $3,397 | $3,525 | $3,831 | $5,108 | $7,663 | $10,217 |
| 4 | $3,082 | $4,099 | $4,253 | $4,623 | $6,163 | $9,245 | $12,327 |
| 5 | $3,609 | $4,800 | $4,981 | $5,414 | $7,218 | $10,828 | $14,437 |
| 6 | $4,137 | $5,502 | $5,709 | $6,205 | $8,273 | $12,410 | $16,547 |
| 7 | $4,664 | $6,203 | $6,437 | $6,996 | $9,328 | $13,993 | $18,657 |
| 8 | $5,192 | $6,905 | $7,165 | $7,788 | $10,383 | $15,575 | $20,767 |
| Each person over 8, add | $528 | $702 | $728 | $791 | $1,055 | $1,583 | $2,110 |
2. Exploring The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
What is the Federal Benefit Rate, and how does it support vulnerable individuals? The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is the maximum monthly payment for individuals eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), offering crucial support to the elderly, blind, and disabled with limited income. Understanding the FBR is vital for navigating available assistance.
The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is a crucial component of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, providing financial assistance to eligible individuals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets the FBR annually, determining the maximum monthly payment for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources. This rate ensures that the most vulnerable members of society receive a basic level of financial support to meet their essential needs.
In 2025, the maximum FBR is $967 for a single individual and $1,450 for a married couple. These amounts are updated each year to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring that SSI recipients can maintain a basic standard of living. The SSA typically announces the new FBR at the end of each year, with the updated rates taking effect in January of the following year. The FBR serves as a safety net for those who are unable to work or have limited resources, helping them afford necessities such as housing, food, and healthcare.
It is important to note that while the FBR provides a federal standard for SSI payments, individual states may supplement this amount. Some states offer additional payments to SSI recipients, increasing their monthly income and helping them better meet their needs. This state supplementation varies widely, with some states providing significant additional support and others offering minimal or no additional assistance. According to the Brookings Institution, state supplements to the FBR can significantly impact the well-being of SSI recipients, particularly in states with high costs of living.
