Final answer:
A family of three earning $20,000 annually would be below the 2021 poverty guideline of $21,960, making it likely challenging for them to make ends meet due to being considered under the poverty line.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether a family of three earning $20,000 per year can make ends meet given the official poverty threshold.
In the United States, the poverty threshold is set by the government and is used to determine eligibility for certain programs and benefits. The threshold varies by the size of the family and their composition.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 2021, the poverty guideline for a family of three was $21,960. Therefore, a family of three earning $20,000 annually would be considered below the poverty line and might struggle to make ends meet since their income is less than the threshold.
It is important to note that living costs can also vary greatly depending on the region and local factors such as housing costs, healthcare, child care, transportation, and more.
As such, even families earning above the poverty threshold may still face significant financial challenges. Furthermore, the implications of being under the poverty line include potentially accessing various government assistant programs aimed to provide support with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.