The Workforce Development Councils of Washington State created a tool called the Self Sufficiency Calculator that individuals and families can use to determine the earnings they need to meet their needs without assistance. The calculator determines the cost of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and miscellanious expenses specific to the user's area of residence. I can be used to create and track a household budget or determine if a career path or specific job will pay enough to cover a families needs. It can be used by agencies and policy makers to track progress towards self-sufficiency goals in the area.
For more information about the calculator, click here.