The government's poverty threshold for a family of 4 is $25,700. Many different factors lead people into poverty. Family situations, minimum wage, seniors on fixed incomes, loss of jobs, and health problems can all put people into financial ruin. According to Povertyusa.org, 'In 2018, 10.6% of men, and 12.9% of women lived in Poverty USA. The poverty rate for single-parent families with no wife present was 12.7%, and for single-parent families with no husband, present was 24.9%. The poverty rate for people living with a disability was 25.7%. That’s nearly 4 million people living with a disability—in poverty.'
Another devastating blow to families living in poverty is that many (especially seniors) will forgo healthcare coverage due to cost. This map from the team at Titlemax shows the states where poverty impacts senior citizens the most. New Mexico has the highest percentage of people 65 and above living in poverty. The second map on the graphic shows that New Jersey is the state with the highest percentage of people 65 and above who avoided getting healthcare due to high costs.