9. HHS Releases New Poverty Guidelines

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released an update of the HHS poverty guidelines to account for last year’s increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The guidelines are important in immigration applications because applicants’ sponsors must show they make 125% of the applicable poverty guideline.

2011 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$10,890
2	$14,710
3	$18,530
4	$22,350
5	$26,170
6	$29,990
7	$33,810
8	$37,630

Family units with more than eight members should add $3,820 for each additional member.

2011 Poverty Guidelines for Alaska

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$13,60
2	$18,380
3	$23,160
4	$27,940
5	$32,720
6	$37,500
7	$42,280
8	$47,060

Family units with more than eight members should add $4,780 for each additional member.

2011 Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii

Size of family unit	Poverty guideline
1	$12,540
2	$16,930
3	$21,320
4	$25,710
5	$30,100
6	$34,490
7	$38,880
8	$43,270

Family units with more than eight members should add $4,390 for each additional member.