Federal Poverty Levels or Guidelines

What are the Federal Poverty Levels (or Guidelines)?

Many federal and state government benefits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or percentages of the FPL. Often these levels are 100% (or below), 133%, 138%, 150%, 200%, 300% and 400%. Because of variations in the cost of living, there are three sets of poverty guidelines based on where in the United States you live, the first is for the 48 Contiguous States (plus DC), the second is for Alaska and the third is for Hawaii.

2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines for 48 Contiguous States and DC

Household Size	100%	133%	138%	150%	200%	300%	400%
1	$11,490	$15,282	$15,856	$17,235	$22,980	$34,470	$45,960
2	$15,510	$20,628	$21,404	$23,265	$31,020	$46,530	$62,040
3	$19,530	$25,975	$26,951	$29,295	$39,060	$58,590	$78,120
4	$23,550	$31,322	$32,499	$35,325	$47,100	$70,650	$94,200
5	$27,570	$36,668	$38,047	$41,355	$55,140	$82,710	$110,280
6	$31,590	$42,015	$43,594	$47,385	$63,180	$94,770	$126,360
7	$35,610	$47,361	$49,142	$53,415	$71,220	$106,830	$142,440
8	$39,630	$52,708	$54,689	$59,445	$79,260	$118,890	$158,520
For each additional person, add	$4,020	$5,347	$5,548	$6,030	$8,040	$12,060	$16,080

2013 or 2014 Federal Poverty Levels?

You would think that eligibility for the ObamaCare tax credit for 2014 would be based on 2014 Federal Poverty Guidelines but actually that is not the case. Since the open enrollment began on October 1, 2013 the poverty guidelines used are for 2013.

2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Household Size	100%	133%	138%	150%	200%	300%	400%
1	$14,350	$19,086	$19,803	$21,525	$28,700	$43,050	$57,400
2	$19,380	$25,775	$26,744	$29,070	$38,760	$58,140	$77,520
3	$24,410	$32,465	$33,686	$36,615	$48,820	$73,230	$97,640
4	$29,440	$39,155	$40,627	$44,160	$58,880	$88,320	$117,760
5	$34,470	$45,845	$47,569	$51,705	$68,940	$103,410	$137,880
6	$39,500	$52,535	$54,510	$59,250	$79,000	$118,500	$158,000
7	$44,530	$59,225	$61,451	$66,795	$89,060	$133,590	$178,120
8	$49,560	$65,915	$68,393	$74,340	$99,120	$148,680	$198,240
For each additional person, add	$5,030	$6,690	$6,941	$7,545	$10,060	$15,090	$20,120

The Federal Poverty Levels (FPLs)

There are two different “poverty” calculations “poverty thresholds” are calculated by the Census Bureau, and are generally only used for statistical purposes while “poverty guidelines” are calculated by the Department of Health and Human Services, and are used for determining whether a person or family is financially eligible for assistance or services under federal programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (foodstamps) or Patient Protection and Affordable Care (ObamaCare).

2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

Household Size	100%	133%	138%	150%	200%	300%	400%
1	$13,230	$17,596	$18,257	$19,845	$26,460	$39,690	$52,920
2	$17,850	$23,741	$24,633	$26,775	$35,700	$53,550	$71,400
3	$22,470	$29,885	$31,009	$33,705	$44,940	$67,410	$89,880
4	$27,090	$36,030	$37,384	$40,635	$54,180	$81,270	$108,360
5	$31,710	$42,174	$43,760	$47,565	$63,420	$95,130	$126,840
6	$36,330	$48,319	$50,135	$54,495	$72,660	$108,990	$145,320
7	$40,950	$54,464	$56,511	$61,425	$81,900	$122,850	$163,800
8	$45,570	$60,608	$62,887	$68,355	$91,140	$136,710	$182,280
For each additional person, add	$4,620	$6,145	$6,376	$6,930	$9,240	$13,860	$18,480

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