Under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the Secretary of Labor annually determines the Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL) for uses described in the Law. WIA defines the term “Low Income Individual” as one who qualifies under various criteria, including an individual who received income for a six-month period that does not exceed the higher of the poverty line or 70 percent of the lower living standard income level. The LLSIL is used for several purposes under WIA: specifically, WIA Section 101(25) defines the term “low income individual” for eligibility purposes, Sections 127(b)(2)(C) and 132(b)(1)(V)(IV) define the terms “disadvantaged youth,” and “disadvantaged adult” in terms of the poverty line or LLSIL for purposes of State formula allotments. The LLSIL is used to determine eligibility for youth, eligibility for employed adult workers for certain services, and for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. The current definition is as of November 2004. For your reference, OMB Bulletin No. 03-04 announced metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas as of June 6, 2003, based on application of the standards to Census 2000 data. You may access the Bulletin by clicking on the link or by seeking out the following website address: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/bulletins/b03-04.html