Reality Check

The 2009 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:

1 person family: $10,830
2 person family: $14,570
3 person family: $18,310
4 person family: $22,050
5 person family: $25,790
6 person family: $29,530
7 person family: $33,270
8 person family: $37,010

For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,740 for each additional person.

I found this yesterday and it was shocking. I'm living with the same means as an 8 person family.