Families and individuals working in low-wage jobs make insufficient income to meet minimum standards given the local cost of living. The “Living Wage Calculator” is a website (https://livingwage.mit.edu/) that developed an app to estimate the cost of living in your community or region based on typical expenses. The tool helps individuals, communities, and employers determine a local wage rate that allows residents to meet minimum standards of living.
When workers are paid a livable wage they don’t need government assistance which can be regarded as a subsidy to companies not paying adequate wages.
Visit the website and see what a livable wage might be in your area: https://livingwage.mit.edu/