The definition of poverty used in the Census tools takes into consideration the definition established by the U.S. Office of Budget and Management. This definition establishes poverty thresholds based on two parameters: family composition and annual family income. In determining family income, the following sources of income are considered: unemployment compensation, employment compensation, social security, supplemental security income, public assistance, veterans' payments, survivors' benefits, pensions or retirement income, interest, dividends, rents, royalties, property income, trusts, educational assistance, alimony, child support, assistance outside the home, and other miscellaneous sources of income.
On the other hand, assistance such as food stamps or coupons, housing subsidies, gain or loss of property, and income from unrelated persons living in the household are not considered as income. Similarly, poverty status cannot be determined for unrelated children under the age of 15 in the household, incarcerated persons, persons in nursing homes, college dormitories, military barracks, and persons who are not living in conventional housing and living situations without conventional housing (and who are not in shelters). For more information visit this link.
