Who is the poor person who is entitled to zakaah in America?

Firstly: 

Those to whom zakaah may be given have been described by
Allaah in the verse in which He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“As-Sadaqaat (here it
means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor)
and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of
those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and
for those in debt; and for Allaah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those
fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off
from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower,
All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:60] 

The poor person is the one who has no income, or who has an
income that is not sufficient. 

This varies from one time and place and family to another,
but there are some cases which all are agreed are entitled to zakaah,
because their income is so low.  

The fuqaha’ say: The poor person who is entitled to zakaah is
the one who cannot find enough for himself and his family for one year. 

If a person receives a monthly salary, then we should look at
what his annual income is, and at what he needs for maintenance throughout
the year. For example, if what he earns in one year is five thousand but he
needs ten thousand to live on, then he is poor or needy because he only has
half of what he needs. 

See: al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (2/672). 

Similarly, if he needs six thousand and his income is only
five thousand, then he is entitled to zakaah. 

It may be that he has enough for him and his family, but he
is in debt and cannot afford to pay it off. So he should be given enough to
pay off his debt. Or he may have enough to eat, drink and pay for shelter,
but he needs to get married and cannot afford to pay the dowry, so he may be
given enough to get married with. 

Secondly: 

If there is a Muslim who is a new convert and he is in
prison, if he is poor or in debt, he may be given zakaah enough to suffice
him and his family, and to pay off his debt. 

There is nothing wrong with giving him zakaah – even if he is
independent of means – if that will attract his heart and strengthen his
faith and make him steadfast in Islam, especially if he is prominent among
his people and that will result in attracting the hearts of those who are
with him. Allaah has given a share of zakaah to those whose hearts are
inclined towards Islam.  

Thirdly: 

It is permissible to give charity to pay utility bills that
are due, because charity is broad in scope. It may even be given to one who
is independent of means, but it is important to pay attention to finding out
who is more deserving and in greater need.  

It is permissible to pay bills with zakaah if the person
cannot afford to pay them, because having bills means that he is a debtor. 

And Allaah knows best.