What Is Considered Low Income in Massachusetts?
Understand how "low income" is defined in Massachusetts, including key metrics, state-specific thresholds, and geographic variations.
Defining “low income” involves standards that vary depending on the specific program or assistance. Understanding these definitions is important for individuals seeking support, as eligibility is frequently tied to established income thresholds. The criteria are not uniform, reflecting differences in economic conditions and benefit program design.
Understanding Income Definitions
Income levels for eligibility commonly rely on two primary federal metrics: the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and the Area Median Income (AMI). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) annually establishes the FPL as a national baseline. This measure considers household income and size, adjusting for inflation each year to reflect the minimum amount needed for basic necessities like food and shelter. The FPL is a foundational standard used by many federal programs to determine eligibility.
In contrast, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates the AMI annually for specific geographic regions, including metropolitan statistical areas and non-metropolitan counties. AMI represents the midpoint of income distribution within a defined area, meaning half of households earn more and half earn less. This metric accounts for local economic conditions and cost of living, making it a common standard for housing and community development initiatives. Both FPL and AMI are frequently used as percentages (e.g., 30%, 50%, 80%) to delineate different tiers of low-income status, allowing programs to target assistance to varying levels of need.
Massachusetts-Specific Income Thresholds
Massachusetts state agencies and programs utilize FPL and AMI figures to establish income thresholds for eligibility. For 2025, the FPL for a single individual in the continental U.S. is $15,650 annually. For a four-person household, the 2025 FPL is $32,160. These figures are used to determine eligibility for programs like MassHealth and certain health insurance marketplace subsidies.
Beyond the FPL, AMI is widely applied across the state, with specific dollar amounts varying by region. For instance, in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy HUD Metro FMR Area, the 2025 HUD income limits for affordable housing programs show that “extremely low income” (30% AMI) for a one-person household is $34,300, increasing to $48,950 for a four-person household. “Very low income” (50% AMI) in this area ranges from $57,900 for one person to $82,700 for a four-person household. The “low income” category (80% AMI) extends up to $92,650 for a single individual and $132,300 for a four-person household in this same metropolitan area. The statutory definition of “extremely low income” is the higher of the Federal Poverty Level or 30% of the Area Median Income.
These AMI-based thresholds are updated annually by HUD, with the 2025 figures typically becoming effective around June 1st. While the Boston area provides a significant example, other regions within Massachusetts, such as Barnstable Town, Brockton, Lawrence, and Lowell, have their own distinct AMI and associated income limits. These figures serve as general guidelines, and specific programs may incorporate slight variations or additional criteria when determining eligibility.
Geographic Variations
Income thresholds for “low income” status are not consistent across Massachusetts due to the localized nature of Area Median Income calculations. Since AMI is determined for specific metropolitan statistical areas or non-metropolitan counties, the actual dollar figures representing 30%, 50%, or 80% of AMI differ significantly. For example, a household considered “low income” in the Boston metropolitan area will have a higher income threshold than a similar household in a lower cost-of-living region like Pittsfield.
This variation directly reflects differences in housing costs, wages, and overall economic conditions within each defined geographic area. An individual or family living in a high-cost area, such as the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy region, will face higher income limits to qualify for assistance compared to those residing in a more rural or less expensive part of the Commonwealth. Understanding the specific AMI for one’s particular location within Massachusetts is important when assessing eligibility for income-based programs.
Application of Income Definitions
The established income definitions, particularly FPL and AMI, are applied across a broad spectrum of assistance programs in Massachusetts. These thresholds determine eligibility for various forms of public and subsidized support. Affordable housing initiatives extensively use AMI percentages to qualify applicants for rental units or homeownership opportunities.
Beyond housing, these income standards are also relevant for healthcare access, influencing eligibility for programs such as MassHealth and subsidies for health insurance through the Health Connector. Energy assistance programs, which help households manage heating and utility costs, often rely on FPL or AMI. Access to childcare assistance, food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and certain educational grants or tuition waivers commonly incorporate these income definitions for qualification. Understanding these income thresholds is important for residents seeking to access a range of supportive services.