What Is Considered Low-Income for a Family of 2?

“Low-income” is a financial classification determining eligibility for various forms of assistance and support. No single, universal definition exists; instead, multiple metrics are employed. These definitions are typically tied to household size and income. Understanding these distinct measures is important for individuals seeking support.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issues the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) annually. These guidelines establish a national standard for poverty, with income thresholds varying by family size. For 2025, the FPG for a family of two is an annual income of $21,150.

These guidelines provide a uniform baseline for many federal assistance programs. However, they do not adjust for significant differences in the cost of living across various regions. An income considered low in one area might be insufficient in another. The FPG is a foundational measure, often supplemented by other criteria to account for local economic conditions.

Area Median Income Thresholds

Area Median Income (AMI) is another measure used to define income levels, distinct from the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates AMI annually for specific metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas. This calculation reflects the midpoint of all household incomes within a given geographic area.

AMI is particularly relevant for housing programs because it accounts for local cost-of-living variations. Definitions of low-income for housing assistance are often expressed as percentages of the AMI. For example, “low-income” is 80% of AMI, “very low-income” is 50% of AMI, and “extremely low-income” is 30% of AMI. A family of two’s income is compared against these percentages for their specific area to determine housing support eligibility.

Common Program Income Eligibility

While Federal Poverty Guidelines and Area Median Income provide general frameworks, specific government programs often establish their own income thresholds for eligibility. These criteria are frequently expressed as percentages of FPG or AMI. Understanding these varying requirements is important for a family of two seeking assistance.

For example, Medicaid eligibility often extends beyond 100% of the FPG. In states with expanded Medicaid, coverage may be available for incomes up to 138% of the FPG, which is around $29,187 annually for a family of two based on the 2025 FPG.

Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) generally requires a household’s gross monthly income to be at or below 130% of the poverty line. For a family of two, this translates to approximately $27,495 annually.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) typically sets income maximums at no greater than 150% of the FPG or 60% of a state’s median income, whichever is higher. A family of two could qualify with an annual income up to approximately $31,725 based on the 150% FPG threshold. Head Start and Early Head Start programs generally use 100% of the FPG for eligibility, which is $21,150 for a family of two.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low for private insurance. Eligibility thresholds for CHIP can be substantially higher than the FPG, often ranging from 170% to 400% of the FPG. For a family of two, this could translate to an annual income between approximately $35,955 and $84,600, depending on the state’s program design.

These examples illustrate that while FPG and AMI offer broad definitions, actual program access for a family of two depends on specific program rules, which can vary significantly.