What is ALICE?

We all know ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basics where they live.

ALICE households and households in poverty are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent — choices that have long-term consequences not only for their families, but for all.

National Overview

United For ALICE calculates the cost of household essentials for counties across the U.S. These costs, outlined in the Household Survival Budget, are calculated for various household sizes and compositions.

The ALICE Threshold includes both households living in poverty and ALICE households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still cannot afford basic household necessities.

Local Overview

ALICE data helps communities better understand the number of households that are working, earning, and still struggling to afford basic needs such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology.

This information can help local partners, donors, nonprofits, schools, employers, and government agencies better understand financial hardship in Northwest Illinois.

Household Essentials

The ALICE Household Survival Budget includes the basic costs needed to live and work in a community, including housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology.

These costs help show why many working families still struggle even when they are employed and earning above the Federal Poverty Level.

United For ALICE

Helping communities understand financial hardship beyond the Federal Poverty Level and the real cost of basic needs.

ALICE represents families and individuals who are working, caring for their households, and navigating the rising cost of everyday essentials.

Many households are One Set-Back Away. Can you make it through the month? Try our ALICE similator and learn more about household struggles in our area. 

ONE SETBACK AWAY