The U.S. poverty line for a family of four is calculated in the following way: It is the amount of money needed to live at the level expected in our society. It is the Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four multiplied times 3. It is the Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four multiplied times 5. It is the amount of money required for housing, clothes, food, health care, and other basic needs for a family of four