2017 Federal Poverty Level Calculator
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The 2017 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is the official measure of poverty used by the U.S. government to determine eligibility for various social programs. This calculator helps you determine the poverty level for households of different sizes based on the 2017 standards.
What is the 2017 Federal Poverty Level?
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is established annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine the income threshold below which a household is considered to be in poverty. The 2017 FPL was based on the cost of living in the United States and adjusted for household size.
The 2017 FPL was last updated in 2016 and remains in effect for tax years beginning in 2017. It is used for determining eligibility for programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and other federal assistance programs.
Key Points About the 2017 FPL
- The FPL is adjusted annually for inflation and changes in the cost of living.
- Different household sizes have different poverty thresholds.
- The FPL is used to determine eligibility for federal assistance programs.
- It is not the same as the official poverty line used by the Census Bureau.
How to Use This Calculator
To use this calculator, follow these simple steps:
- Select the household size from the dropdown menu.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the 2017 Federal Poverty Level for that household size.
- Review the result and any additional information provided.
Example Calculation
If you select a household size of 4, the calculator will display the 2017 Federal Poverty Level for a family of four, which is $24,735 per year.
Formula Used
The 2017 Federal Poverty Level is calculated based on the following formula:
Where:
- Base Amount is the poverty level for a single-person household.
- Household Size is the number of people in the household.
- Percentage Increase is the additional amount per person beyond the first.
The exact values used in the 2017 FPL calculation are as follows:
- Base Amount: $11,770
- Percentage Increase: 14.2%
Examples
Here are some examples of the 2017 Federal Poverty Level for different household sizes:
| Household Size | 2017 Federal Poverty Level (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $11,770 |
| 2 | $13,500 |
| 3 | $15,230 |
| 4 | $16,960 |
| 5 | $18,690 |
| 6 | $20,420 |
| 7 | $22,150 |
| 8 | $23,880 |
These examples show how the poverty level increases with each additional household member.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Federal Poverty Level and the official poverty line?
The Federal Poverty Level is used for determining eligibility for federal assistance programs, while the official poverty line is used by the Census Bureau to measure poverty rates in the United States.
How often is the Federal Poverty Level updated?
The Federal Poverty Level is updated annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to account for changes in the cost of living and inflation.
Can I use the 2017 Federal Poverty Level for tax years beginning in 2018?
No, the 2017 Federal Poverty Level is only valid for tax years beginning in 2017. For tax years beginning in 2018, you would need to use the updated 2018 FPL.