2009 Poverty Guidelines published

The US Department of Health and Human Services has published its poverty guidelines for 2009. The guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC are:

1 person in family: $10,830
2 people: $14,570
3 people: $18,310
4 people: $22,050
5 people: $25,790
6 people: $29,530
7 people:$33,270
8 people: $37,010

Alaska has different levels.

These guidelines are relevant in immigration law because family-based permanent resident applications require an Affidavit of Support from the "sponsoring" relative. The relative must show that s/he has income or assets worth at least 125% of the relevant poverty guideline figure. So, for example, a woman in New York who is petitioning for her husband and his child needs to show income/assets of at least $22,887.50 to meet the I-824, Affidavit of Support requirements.