What Is Considered ‘Low-Income’ by State

What is the poverty line in the U.S.? Defining a "low-income household" can be challenging, as state-level and federal departments of the government use varying numbers to define these terms. One common benchmark, however, is the federal poverty guideline. 

According to these guidelines, a single person is considered to live in poverty if they have an income of $15,650 or less. Increasing the number of people in the household raises this threshold. A family of eight, for example, could have an income of $54,150 and still live in poverty.

The National Council on Aging estimates that more than 17 million Americans aged 65 and over are living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Even at 200%, they may struggle to find comfortable housing, adequate nutritious food, and affordable healthcare. Older persons of color are more likely to live in poverty, as are women, who may have faced wage discrimination or time off from work to raise children.

What is considered low income in the U.S.? The answer can be a moving target. Generally, states and the federal government use the Fed Poverty Guidelines as a benchmark, which states that a single person with an annual income of less than $15,650 is living in poverty. That number increases to $21,150 for a couple.

As of 2023, according to the Census Bureau, 36.8 million people in the U.S., or roughly 11.1% of U.S. residents, were living in poverty. The minimum wage, meanwhile, has been stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009 — 16 years ago — a fact that has had a profound impact on the number of people living in poverty. 

Many programs of support may be available to people who exceed these limits. Some have eligibility requirements that are a certain percent of the federal guidelines — for example, you may be eligible for financial assistance if you are at or below, say, 130% of the federal level. In addition, unlike the minimum wage, the federal poverty guidelines increase every year and are derived from Census  Bureau data each year.

Based on federal poverty guidelines, 6-8 million seniors aged 65 and over lived in poverty in 2022, or about one in 10 individuals. According to one analysis, the poverty rate was higher for those aged 80 and over, as well as for women, people of color, and those in relatively poor health. Seniors may live on a fixed income that doesn't increase each year and may have higher-than-average medical costs, which can make it hard to make ends meet. 

Perhaps partly because of these numbers, it is estimated that 1 in 3 seniors work full- or part-time, with 52% citing inflation as the primary reason they returned to work in a recent Caring.com poll. One in 15 seniors, meanwhile, fear that they could become homeless in the future. Many more supplement their nutrition with food from food banks or organizations like Meals on Wheels.

If you or someone you care for experiences financial challenges, help may be available. At the federal level, programs such as Medicaid support those living with insufficient means. Every state in the Union, meanwhile, has programs for seniors living on a low income. Below, we outline the country-wide programs, supported in many cases by your tax dollars, that can provide a lifeline if your resources are scant.

Dialing 2-1-1 on your phone will link you to a service that provides referrals to health and human services agencies and organizations. Provided by the Federal Communications Commission, this program is funded by a combination of state, United Way, and other non-profits. 2-1-1 services are available throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Calling this number can help you to access caregiver resources, mental health services, and more.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program works to improve the health of low-income older adults aged 60 and over. Income eligibility is determined at the state level. Eligible seniors receive a monthly box of non-perishable food that may include canned vegetables, juices, beans, cheese, milk, cereals, and more. CSFP is active in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and several tribal areas.

This government program, sometimes called Section 8 housing, assists low-income families, the disabled, and seniors to afford comfortable housing. Although funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), public housing agencies administer the vouchers locally. 

HUD bases eligibility on family size, assets, and annual income, which varies depending on the median income in the county or city where the senior lives. Generally, participants pay 30% of their monthly income toward rent, and the voucher pays the rest.

The IRS offers two programs that may benefit seniors at tax time. VITA has free tax help for individuals who have an annual income of $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Meanwhile, TCE provides free tax help for those aged 60 and over, with volunteer preparers specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues. All VITA/TCE tax preparers are trained and vetted by the IRS. VITA and TCE services are available across the country in libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other locations.

LIHEAP, as the name suggests, provides assistance that can cover utility costs for low-income households. A similar program called the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) provides vouchers that can pay for utilities, portable heaters, or repairs to existing heating or cooling equipment. Both programs have income eligibility requirements, although these may vary from state to state, but are generally between 110 and 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Meals on Wheels is funded through federal and state funding, along with grants and private contributions. The program generally serves those aged 60 and over, though eligibility requirements vary by program and location. This company provides meals in community settings through home delivery. Meal delivery also includes a check-in to help ensure the senior's safety and comfort.

It's easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid. Both provide health insurance for Americans, but while Medicare is intended for everyone 65 and older, Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals, regardless of their age. Medicaid, like Medicare, is federally funded. However, states administer and manage this service, which differ in coverage and eligibility.

Medicaid is also characterized in many states by waivers that can allow seniors to receive services in their home or a community setting, rather than an assisted living facility. Waivers may also help pay for some costs in assisted living, depending on the state.

Medicare covers hospitalization, doctor visits, and other health costs for older adults and some younger people with specific illnesses. The federal government manages Original Medicare the federal government, which includes several parts. Part A covers inpatient hospital costs, while Part B is medical insurance for outpatient services such as doctor visits. Most people are required to sign up for Medicare when they reach 65. 

Medicare Part D, meanwhile, pays for prescriptions. For some individuals, Medicare Part C offers an alternative to the government's plan. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes A and B coverages and sometimes D. Private insurers manage these plans, however, and follow the rules established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare plans generally have no income limitations, but those who make more than a certain amount may pay higher levels for their coverage.

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a Medicare program that provides medical and social services to seniors, many of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Seniors must be aged 55 or older, live in the service area of a PACE organization, and qualify for nursing home care. 

As of August 2024, there were 177 PACE programs across 33 states and the District of Columbia. They allow seniors to stay in their home communities while receiving a higher level of care. Although there may be costs associated with PACE, there is never a co-pay, deductible, or coverage gap, and your care is managed holistically by an interdisciplinary team of professionals.

HUD administers the Section 202 housing program, which finances the construction and rehabilitation of housing for low-income seniors. It also provides rent subsidies for these projects to make them more affordable for those with limited support. 

Section 202 housing may be available for households where at least one person is aged 62 or older and the annual income is less than 50% of the area median income. To apply for Section 202 housing, contact the manager of the specific property you're interested in. You can also connect with your local area agency on aging (AAA).

Editorial Note: As of April 2025, the previously live HUD pages for Section 202 housing no longer appear active amid a proposed significant reduction of staff in the agency.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a job training program for low-income, older adults. Eligible seniors can gain work experience in community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, such as hospitals, schools, and daycare centers. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid according to federal, state, or local minimum wage. Participants must be 55 or older, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125 of the federal poverty level.

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a win-win that positively affects two groups: low-income seniors aged 60 and over with household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty guidelines and farmers looking to sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. 

The program is funded through the federal Farm Bill. It provides coupons for eligible seniors to exchange for eligible fresh food at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. The national program extends to all U.S. territories and tribal lands.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as "food stamps," provides financial support to supplement your food budget, and you can also use it to buy seeds to grow vegetables or fruit. 

Older adults can qualify if they are aged 60 or older, have an income that does not exceed limits set by their state, and possess no more than $3,750 in countable resources. In some states, the program uses a different name — for example, Alabama has the Food Assistance Program.

Perhaps the best-known financial support for seniors comes from Social Security. This federal tax-funded program provides a monthly income for older adults and those with disabilities. 

Seniors can apply for Social Security when they are 65 or 66 if they were born before 1960 and at age 67 if they were born after. The agency bases your monthly payments on your average income over 35 years.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support to low-income seniors and disabled adults. You may qualify for SSI even if you receive regular social security payments. Recipients must be at least 65, blind, or disabled. 

The maximum amount receivable changes yearly, currently sitting at $943 for an individual or $1,415 for a couple. Some states fortify SSI benefits with additional payments, which may increase the total. Recipients can use SSI for basic needs, such as housing and food.

Honorably discharged veterans have access to a range of benefits. VA health benefits and the VA's Health Care for Elderly Veterans program offer help paying for basic medical care, inpatient hospital services, and more. A Geriatrics and Extended Care program may offer payments for long-term care when needed or care in your own home.

Veterans may benefit from two other VA programs: the Aid & Attendance Benefit and the Housebound Benefit. These benefits provide financial support that recipients can add to their pensions. These help veterans who have long-term care needs because of disability or age. Not all veterans may receive these benefits, but if you or a loved one is disabled or housebound, it may be worth checking out.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by allowing individuals to make improvements that increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Households can qualify with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or receive SSI. However, there may be more requirements depending on the state in which you reside. 

This program prefers older adults or families that include a person with a disability. If approved, you will receive an energy audit of your home to determine the recommended scope of improvements.

There are various ways to define what is considered low income for seniors. Federal poverty levels are currently set at $15,650 for a single-person household, though this changes based on the amount of people in a home. Seniors who earn more than the threshold may still qualify for services, depending on the program. Help is available for older adults from federal and state sources, as well as via private providers. Seniors who cannot afford housing, groceries, or other needs may be able to find assistance from several sources.

• Annual update of the HHS poverty guidelines. (2024). Federal Register
• Commodity supplemental food program. (2025). Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Dial 211 for essential community services. (2024). Federal Communications Commission
• Eldercare locator. (n.d.). Administration for Community Living
• Find a Meals on Wheels provider near you. (2024). Meals on Wheels America
• Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers. (2025). Internal Revenue Service
• Geriatrics and extended care. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Get help with your utility bills: EHEAP. (n.d.). Department of Elder Affairs, State of Florida
• Get the facts on economic security for seniors. (2024). National Council on Aging
• Housing choice vouchers fact sheet. (n.d.) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). (2025). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Poverty in America Awareness Month: January 2025. (2025). U.S. Census Bureau
• Ochieng, Nancy, et al. How many older adults live in poverty? (2024). KFF
• Poverty guidelines. (2025). Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. (n.d.). Medicaid.gov
• Senior Community Service Employment Program. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Labor
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. (2025). Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (2025). Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. (2024). Social Security Administration
• VA Aid and attendance benefits and housebound allowance. (2024). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Weatherization Assistance Program. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Energy