Poverty 101 - 2021 data

What happened to poverty rates in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• They rose

• They fell

• They stayed about the same

Answer explanation

Poverty increased in 2020 due to the pandemic, but the December 2020 COVID-19 economic relief package contributed to a 4.2 percentage point reduction in monthly poverty (13 million individuals) in January 2021. However, without ongoing economic support, the Urban Institute projected a rise in poverty as the pandemic continues unless more economic relief is provided.

In the U.S., if you are a family of four and make less than ______/year, then you are considered "poor" by the federal government. This number is called the "poverty line."

• $26,500

• $18,000

• $50,000

• $45,300

Can a family be above the official "poverty line" (aka make more than $26,500 as a family of four) and still have great challenges in paying for food, shelter and health care?

• Yes, that's definitely posisble

• No, if you make more than the "poverty line," you should have enough to meet basic needs

Answer explanation

Te cost of living can be much higher than the official poverty line. For instance, if your income is $26,500 or above for a family of four you are not considered to be living poverty by the U.S. Federal Government. However, the average cost of living for a family of four in Philadelphia, PA is $92,163, and the average cost of living for a family of four is between $70,000 to $90,000 for most major cities in the U.S. (https://cnb.cx/3ldLLsP) Even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for housing assistance in Philadelphia indicate that an income of $64,900 is “low income.” (https://bit. ly/3ibQOrx)

Two-thirds of the world’s poor are...

• Women

• Over 50

• Children

• Men

According to 2018 US Census Data, the highest poverty rate by race is found among...

• Native Americans

• Whites

• Asians

• Hispanic

As of 2020, the percentage of people in Massachusetts who live below the poverty line is...

• 23%

• 2.5%

• 9.4%

• 18%

As of Jan 1 2022, the minimum wage in Massachusetts is...

• $14.25

• $16

• $8.25

• $12.50

Review: What's the difference between "minimum wage" and a "just wage"?

Answer explanation

Minimum wage = the minimum amount that employers can pay their workers according to the government

Just wage = the minimum amount necessary to afford basic needs for yourself + your family

According to the 2020 Census, the poverty rate in Boston is around...

• 5%

• 20%

• 35%

• 2.5%

"The point at which the federal government considers you to be poor."

• Living Wage

• Poverty Wage/Poverty Line

• Minimum Wage