Much of the aid available to seniors, children and families is dependent on income, defined as a "percent of the poverty guidelines." Many social service agencies limit the amount of income an applicant may have to "150%" of what the federal Dept. of Health & Human Services sets as the poverty guideline. Some permit more income, some less, but 150% is a common qualifying number. Here are the poverty guidelines for this year:

2009 HHS Poverty Guidelines

# Persons in Family or Household: 48 Contiguous States and DC	Alaska	Hawaii
1   $10,830	$13,530	$12,460
2   $14,570	$18,210	$16,760
3   $18,310	$22,890	$21,060
4   $22,050	$27,570	$25,360
5   $25,790	$32,250	$29,660
6   $29,530	$36,930	$33,960
7   $33,270	$41,610	$38,260
8   $37,010	$46,290	$42,560
For each additional person, add $3,740	For each additional person, add $4,680	For each  additional     person, add $4,300

If you see that an applicant for a program you're interested in may have an income of no move than "X" percent of the pverty guideline and your senior receives slightly more, go ahead and inquire anyway. Often social service agencies will bend their guidelines for extenuating circumstances.

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