Federal Poverty Level

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a dollar amount the government uses to decide who qualifies for help. If your income falls below this line, you may get Medicaid, SNAP food stamps, housing vouchers, and utility bill help. The amount changes every year and depends on how many people live in your home. Seniors often qualify even with small Social Security checks. This section explains the current numbers and how to use them when applying for benefits.