In 2020 my W-2 was $32k. Let’s not forget to deduct about 20% of that money went to getting to work and remaining in place for reserve. So yeah, poverty levels in 2020. My 2021 W-2 was $37k. Ever so slightly above poverty levels. Factor in work related expenses and I’m back down to poverty levels.

I had a 400% pay increase from where I started this year to where I am now. That wouldn’t be the case if a full/restricted ATP was not the requirement.