Being Poor in the United States: The Definition of Poverty is Not Accommodating to Many

Poverty Threshold Too Low

Millions of Americans are living at income levels considered to be below the poverty threshold. With the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Census, the definition of "poor" is very misconstrued.

To be poor in the United States, however, one does not need to be at or below the poverty threshold. With the cost of food and housing, many individuals, even those who earn an income above the poverty threshold, are struggling to make ends meet.

While there are programs for those who are "poor", as classified by the U.S. government, there are many individuals and families, who make slightly more than the poverty level, not eligible for such programs. Programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Grants and even Head Start educational programs are not available to those families who are "poor", making an income over the poverty level.

So, what is the issue? The poverty levels in the United States are considered, by many, to be too low. To change these poverty levels, however, the U.S. Bureau of Census must change the threshold and then influence change in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If these changes occur, there will be an increase in the number of Americans accessing public welfare programs, ultimately placing a greater strain upon the welfare system.

So, how did our poverty threshold levels become so low? Dating back to the 1960s, the poverty threshold was originally established when the U.S. government calculated the amount of money required to feed a family. Considering a family spent one-third of their income on food, this figure was then multiplied by three and, thus, the poverty level threshold was founded. The theory was felt to be that most American families spent one-third of their income on food with all other expenses accounting for the other two-thirds of spending.