Someone mentioned discounts and such because their income was officially below the poverty level.

What discounts/advantages are there?
How little would my 'income' have to be?
What could I own?

I'm trying to figure out if I could live on $20k per year.

The discounts/advantages and qualifying income and asset level vary from state to state. So check with the state where you reside to find out the details.

BTW, $20k per year would be a nice increase for me. I live on much less!