DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ISSUES 2000 POVERTY GUIDELINES

Each year the Department of Health and Human Services issues updated poverty guidelines.  These figures are used by many government agencies, including the INS.  Since 1996, all family based immigrants and some employment based immigrants have been required to submit Form I-864 to demonstrate that they will not become a public charge.  Note that the INS requires most applicants to show an income greater that 125% of the poverty limit.

Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Poverty                       Poverty Guideline
            Guideline                    plus 125%

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Family Unit Size

1...........................................................     $ 8,350                       10,436

2...........................................................      11,250                        14,063

3...........................................................      14,150                        17,686

4...........................................................      17,050                        21,313

5...........................................................      19,950                        24,938

6...........................................................      22,850                        28,563

7...........................................................      25,750                        32,188

8...........................................................      28,650                        35,813

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For family units with more than 8 members, add ,900 for each additional member.

2000 Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Poverty                        Poverty Guideline  
            Guideline                     plus 125%

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Size of family unit   

1...........................................................     ,430                      13,038

2...........................................................      14,060                        17,575

3...........................................................      17,690                        22,113

4...........................................................      21,320                        26,650

5...........................................................      24,950                        31,188

6...........................................................      28,580                        35,725

7...........................................................      32,210                        40,263

8...........................................................      35,840                        44,800

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For family units with more than 8 members, add ,630 for each additional member.  

2000 Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

Poverty                        Poverty Guideline  
            guideline                     plus 125%

Size of family unit                             
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1.....................................................     $ 9,590                        11,988

2.....................................................      12,930                        16,163

3.....................................................      16,270                        20,338

4.....................................................      19,610                        24,513

5.....................................................      22,950                        28,688

6.....................................................      26,290                        32,863

7.....................................................      29,630                        37,038

8.....................................................      32,970                        41,213

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For family units with more than 8 members, add ,340 for each additional member.