Poverty Guidelines for 2004
Posted Feb 20, 2004

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published current Poverty Guidelines for 2004, effective as of February 13, 2004. These guidelines are used in connection with the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. More information on the purpose and use of the Affidavit of Support is available in our February 14, 2003 MurthyBulletin article, Poverty Guidelines for 2003, available on MurthyDotCom.

In brief, the Form I-864 is required to overcome the "public charge" provisions in all family-sponsored cases. It is also required in a small number of employment-based cases, if certain relatives of the foreign national beneficiary own 5% or more of the sponsoring business.

To meet the affidavit of support requirements, the sponsor must show an income of 125% of the poverty level for the family size. Details on the use of assets to overcome a deficiency in income, as well as the use of joint sponsors, are contained in the instructions to the I-864.

Poverty Guidelines for 2004 for the Various Jurisdictions
 

48 Contiguous States plus DC
Size of Family Unit	Guideline
1	$  9,310
2	$ 12,490
3	$ 15,670
4	$ 18,850
5	$ 22,030
6	$ 25,210
7	$ 28,390
8	$ 31,570
For family units with more than 8 members, add $ 3,180 for each additional member.
Alaska
Size of Family Unit	Guideline
1	$ 11,630
2	$ 15,610
3	$ 19,590
4	$ 23,570
5	$ 27,550
6	$ 31,530
7	$ 35,510
8	$ 39,490
For family units with more than 8 members, add $ 3,980  for each additional member.
Hawaii
Size of Family Unit	Guideline
1	$ 10,700
2	$ 14,360
3	$ 18,020
4	$ 21,680
5	$ 25,340
6	$ 29,000
7	$ 32,660
8	$ 36,320
For family units with more than 8 members, add $ 3,660 for each additional member.