HHS extends 2009 poverty guidelines until March 1

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Jan. 19 announced that its 2009 poverty guidelines will remain in effect until updated 2010 guidelines are published, which would not happen before March 1.

The 2009 poverty guidelines for Hawaii are about 13 percent higher than those for the mainland U.S., but about 9 percent lower than those set for Alaska. These are the guidelines in effect:

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Persons in family                Poverty guideline
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1 ....................................................   $12,460
2 ....................................................     16,760
3 ....................................................     21,060
4 ....................................................     25,360
5 ....................................................     29,660
6 ....................................................     33,960
7 ....................................................     38,260
8 ....................................................     42,560
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For families with more than 8 persons, add
$4,300 for each additional person.