Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released updated poverty guidelines to account for the last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1981 requires the HHS Secretary to update at least annually, the poverty guidelines which are used as an eligibility criterion for the Community Services Block Grant program as well as other federal programs.

Federal Register Link

2008 Poverty Guidelines For The 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Persons in family unit Poverty guideline

1......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

7......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

8......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

$10,400

$14,000

$17,600

$21,200

$24,800

$28,400

$32,000

$35,600

For family units with more than 8 persons, add $3,600 for each additional person.

2008 Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Persons in family unit Poverty guideline

1......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

7......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

8......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

$13,000

$17,500

$22,000

$26,500

$31,000

$35,500

$40,000

$44,500

For family units with more than 8 persons, add $4,500 for each additional person.

2008 Poverty Guidelines For Hawaii

Persons in family unit Poverty guideline

1......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

7......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

8......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

$11,960

$16,100

$20,240

$24,380

$28,520

$32,660

$36,800

$40,940

For family units with more than 8 persons, add $4,140 for each additional person.