What does Federal Poverty Level mean?

It is basically a defined minimum earning one family needs in order to survive. Hereby are taken into consideration the sums needed to pay for basic needs such as food and apparel, and in general the costs which would cover for modest habitation needs. The Department of Health and Human Services – DHHS- is the institution which decides upon this matter in the United States. Certainly the number of family members is always taken into consideration as well as the present market conditions such as inflation and other fluctuations and factors.

Federal Poverty Level – FPL- explained

Every year citizens are informed by the FPL, usually at the beginning of the year, in the form of poverty guidelines being issued. For example, according to the US Department of Health and Services website, poverty guidelines for 2009 are set as follows: £18,310 for a family with three members, £22,050 for a family of 4, £29,530 for a family of 6 and £37,010 for a family which totals 8 members. In its footnote the statement makes the notice that for a family which comprises more than 8 members there should be added £3,740 for each extra member.