"FPL" stands for federal poverty level. It is a measure of income issued every year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Federal poverty levels can be used to determine what individuals or families are eligible for certain federal programs.
How FPL Works
Each January, the U.S. Census Bureau issues a set of preliminary poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who lives in poverty.
These thresholds are used mainly for statistical purposes such as preparing estimates of the number of Americans living in poverty each year.
Then, later in January, HHS issues poverty guidelines based on these thresholds. The poverty guidelines are often referred to as the federal poverty level (FPL).
For more information, including a chart of the differences between poverty thresholds and guidelines, visit the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation FAQ webpage.
Federal programs can use the guidelines (or percentage multiples of the guidelines — for instance, 130% or 185% of the federal poverty level) to determine eligibility for certain programs that support young children and their families.
In turn, the poverty guidelines are used to determine grant funds for these programs by federal administering agencies.
FPL Data on IECAM
The Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map provides comprehensive early childhood data and maps to local and state agencies and other stakeholders in order to improve outcomes for Illinois children.
Users can find information about young children living in families at various federal poverty levels in Illinois with the push of a few buttons.
Using IECAM's Online Database
Clicking on the "Search the Database" tab on the IECAM homepage will take you directly to the online database's portal page. By checking a few boxes, you can easily find the number of children from birth to age 5 who are living in families with income below 50%, 100%, 130%, 185%, 200%, and 400% of the federal poverty level on various geographic levels in Illinois.
IECAM also provides maps that show high/low income areas.
IECAM is always happy to assist you with finding the federal poverty level data you need. Contact us anytime!
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