Fact Check: The U.S. has a federal poverty guideline used for program eligibility.

Fact Check: "The U.S. has a federal poverty guideline used for program eligibility."

What We Know

The United States does indeed have a federal poverty guideline that is used to determine eligibility for various government programs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publishes these guidelines annually, which are applicable to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. For instance, the 2025 poverty guidelines indicate that the poverty threshold for a household of one is set at $15,060, while for a household of two, it is $20,440. These figures are crucial for programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which utilize these guidelines to assess eligibility for benefits (USCIS, LIHEAP).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. has a federal poverty guideline is supported by multiple credible sources. The HHS guidelines are officially recognized and are used by various federal programs to determine eligibility for assistance. For example, the guidelines are referenced in the Federal Register and are integral to the functioning of programs like Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Moreover, the guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and other economic factors, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective in addressing poverty. The USCIS also highlights the importance of these guidelines for fee waivers and reduced filing fees, further underscoring their role in federal assistance programs.

The sources cited are reliable, as they originate from government agencies such as the HHS and USCIS, which are tasked with administering and overseeing federal welfare programs. These agencies provide accurate and updated information, making them trustworthy references for understanding poverty guidelines in the U.S.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that the U.S. has a federal poverty guideline used for program eligibility is accurate. The guidelines are officially published by the HHS and are utilized by various federal programs to determine eligibility for assistance, reflecting their critical role in the social safety net.

Sources

1. 2025 Poverty Guidelines: 48 Contiguous States ... - HHS ASPE
2. I-864P | 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support
3. Federal Poverty Guidelines for FFY 2025
4. 150% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2025
5. Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines
6. Poverty Guidelines
7. Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
8. Poverty Income Guidelines