30+ Federal Programs That Use the Poverty Guidelines

Federally Qualified Health Centers offer primary care on a sliding fee scale based on income. Services include medical, dental, and mental health care at reduced or no cost for patients below 200% FPL.

Free or low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance. Income limits vary by state, typically 200–300% FPL.

Free or low-cost health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Expansion states cover adults up to 138% FPL.

Helps people with Medicare pay for prescription drug plan costs including premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Also known as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).

Helps low-income households with heating and cooling energy costs, energy crises, and home weatherization. Administered by states with federal funding.

Free comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services for low-income children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women.

Provides family planning and related preventive health services to low-income individuals at reduced or no cost through a network of clinics nationwide.

Funds local community action agencies to provide a wide range of services to low-income individuals including employment, education, housing, and emergency assistance.

Provides FDA-approved medications, health insurance, and medical care for low-income people with HIV/AIDS who have limited or no coverage.

Requires certain health care facilities that received federal construction funds to provide free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot afford to pay.

Provides primary and preventive health care services to migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families regardless of ability to pay.

Supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing health professions careers through scholarships, stipends, and educational assistance.

Provides grants to non-profit organizations to create private sector employment and business opportunities for TANF recipients and other low-income individuals.

Supports Individual Development Account (IDA) programs that help low-income individuals save and build assets for education, small business, or homeownership.

Monthly EBT food benefits for low-income households. The largest federal food assistance program, helping millions of Americans afford groceries. Gross income limit is 130% FPL for most households.

Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Provides free and reduced-price lunches to children in participating schools. Free meals for households at or below 130% FPL; reduced-price for 130–185% FPL.

Free and reduced-price breakfast for eligible children in participating schools, using the same income thresholds as the National School Lunch Program.

Provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks served to children and adults in day care settings and emergency shelters.

Helps low-income families and youth acquire the knowledge, skills, and practices needed to improve diet quality and food safety through hands-on nutrition education.

Provides monthly food packages to improve the health of low-income elderly persons age 60 and over through supplemental foods.

Free education and vocational training for young people ages 16–24 who are low-income. Provides housing, meals, health care, and career counseling at residential centers nationwide.

Provides job training, employment placement, and support services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents.

Subsidized, part-time community service positions for low-income individuals age 55 and older, helping them transition to unsubsidized employment.

Provides employment and training services for low-income youth ages 14–24, including career counseling, work experience, and educational support.

Reduces energy costs for low-income households by improving energy efficiency. Services include insulation, air sealing, heating system upgrades, and energy audits at no cost.

A refundable tax credit for low to moderate-income working individuals and families. The credit amount depends on income, filing status, and number of qualifying children. One of the largest anti-poverty programs in the US.

A tax credit of up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17. A portion may be refundable for lower-income families who owe little or no tax.

Independent clinics that provide free or low-cost representation to low-income taxpayers in disputes with the IRS, and provide education about taxpayer rights and responsibilities.

Rental assistance vouchers that help low-income families, elderly persons, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe housing in the private market. Generally limited to households at or below 50% of area median income.

Provides decent, safe, and affordable rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities managed by local public housing agencies.

Provides grants to state and local governments to create affordable housing for low and very low-income households through construction, rehabilitation, and rental assistance.

Connects volunteers age 55 and older with children who have exceptional needs. Volunteers receive a stipend, training, and support. Income eligibility required for stipend.

Engages volunteers age 55 and older to assist homebound adults — especially seniors — who struggle with the challenges of daily living. Includes a modest tax-free stipend for income-eligible volunteers.

Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Americans in cases involving housing, family law, consumer issues, employment, and benefits. Funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation.

Provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers. The discount is $9.25/month and is available from participating providers nationwide.

Provides eligible low-income households a discount of up to $30/month toward broadband service, and up to $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands.