What Does “Low Income” Mean—and Do You Qualify for Help?

When people reach out to us at Low Income Relief, one of the most common questions we get is, “Do I count as low income?” It’s a great question—and a surprisingly complicated one to answer.

That’s because there isn’t one single definition of “low income” in the United States. What counts as low income can change depending on where you live, how many people are in your household, and what kind of assistance you’re applying for. In fact, different programs use different measurements entirely.

Here’s what you need to know about how income eligibility works—and why you should never assume you don’t qualify for help.

Why There’s No Universal Definition

The U.S. government uses multiple systems to define income levels. Each program sets its own guidelines based on what it’s trying to accomplish, and those guidelines are usually based on one of two main measurements: the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or the Area Median Income (AMI). Some programs use a percentage of those numbers to determine who gets help.

That’s why you might be eligible for food assistance but not qualify for housing support—or the other way around. Every program is different, so it’s always worth checking.

Understanding the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

The Federal Poverty Level is a number set each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides a baseline income threshold that’s used by many federal programs to determine eligibility.

In 2025, the poverty level is set at $15,650 per year for a single person and $32,150 per year for a family of four. Many programs, like Medicaid and food assistance, allow people to qualify if they earn up to 200% of the poverty level—or even more in some cases. For a deeper dive on FPL, check out our full article on the Federal Poverty Level.

What Area Median Income (AMI) Means

The Area Median Income is calculated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and takes into account where you live and how big your household is. This measurement is especially important for housing programs, but it’s also used by food banks, guaranteed income pilots, and other local services.

Because costs of living vary so widely across the country, AMI is different everywhere. For a deeper look at how this works, visit our explainer on Area Median Income.

Why You Might Still Be Eligible

Even if you think you make too much money to qualify, don’t count yourself out. Some programs have surprisingly generous income limits, including those that accept applicants at up to 120% of AMI or even 300% of the federal poverty level.

The key is to check each program individually. You might be denied by one agency and approved by another, just because they use different rules. That’s why we always encourage people to double-check the details—and not to assume they’re out of luck.

Guidelines Change Every Year

Both FPL and AMI figures are updated annually. So even if you didn’t qualify last year, it’s possible that you might this year—especially if your income changed, your household size grew, or the program expanded. It only takes a few minutes to review the latest numbers, and it could unlock access to valuable help for your family.

Relief Recap

Understanding what “low income” means can feel overwhelming, but it really comes down to knowing which measurement a program uses and how your income compares. Whether it’s based on FPL, AMI, or something else entirely, the best way to find out if you qualify is to check the specific program details.

And remember, just because you weren’t eligible before doesn’t mean you won’t be now. These guidelines change every year, and so do your circumstances—so keep checking, and don’t give up. We’re here to help you every step of the way.