As an expert in socio-economic policy, I can provide an in-depth analysis of what constitutes poverty level income. The concept of poverty level income is not fixed and varies across different countries and regions. It is typically determined by a government or an organization based on various factors such as the cost of living, the economic conditions of the area, and the standard of living that is considered acceptable for a basic quality of life.

In the United States, the poverty level income is defined by the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The FPL is used to determine eligibility for certain federal programs and benefits, including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It is important to note that the FPL is a measure of income relative to the size of the household and is not a direct reflection of the cost of living.

According to the 2017 FPL Guidelines, the poverty level income for different household sizes in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia is as follows:

- For a single person household, the poverty level income is $12,060.
- For a household of two, it is $16,240.
- For a household of three, the threshold is $20,420.
- For a household of four, the income level is $24,600.

These figures increase with the size of the household, and there are additional rows for larger families. It is important to understand that these are the minimum income levels that are considered to be at the poverty line. However, it is also crucial to consider that the cost of living can vary greatly from one state to another, and even within different areas of the same state.

The FPL also plays a role in determining the eligibility for premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The premium subsidy threshold is set at 400% of the FPL, which means that individuals and families with incomes up to four times the poverty level may qualify for subsidies to help them afford health insurance.

For example, using the 2017 FPL figures:
- A single person with an income up to $48,240 (400% of $12,060) may qualify for a subsidy.
- A household of two with an income up to $64,960 (400% of $16,240) may be eligible.
- For a household of three, the income limit for subsidy eligibility is $81,680 (400% of $20,420).
- And for a household of four, the maximum income to qualify for a subsidy is $98,400 (400% of $24,600).

It is important to remember that the FPL is a baseline and does not necessarily reflect the actual cost of living or the amount of income needed to maintain a certain standard of living. Many experts argue that the FPL is outdated and does not accurately represent the economic realities of today's society. There are ongoing discussions and efforts to update the way poverty is measured and defined to better reflect the economic needs of individuals and families.

In conclusion, while the FPL provides a starting point for understanding poverty level income, it is essential to consider the broader context of economic conditions, cost of living, and the specific needs of individuals and families when evaluating what constitutes poverty.

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2017 FPL Guidelines: 48 Border States and D.C.Persons in Household2017 Federal Poverty LevelPremium Subsidy Threshold (400% of FPL)1$12,060$48,2402$16,240$64,9603$20,420$81,6804$24,600$98,4004 more rowsread more >>