Jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff says his family is living "just above the poverty line" even though he bilked tribes out of millions of dollars.

Abramoff received a $520,189 tax refund and has used some of the money to pay bills associated with his case. But the Department of Justice says he must first make restitution to his former tribal clients.

Abramoff has held off using the rest of the money until a judge rules on the matter. He says his wife is barely supporting their five children on a $38,000 salary.

"For a family their size, the Abramoffs are living just above the poverty line," Abramoff's attorney wrote in a court filing, The Washington Post reports.

Abramoff owes $23 million to his former tribal clients.

Get the Story:
Abramoff Lawyers Ask for Access to Tax Refund (The Washington Post 6/4)
Abramoff, gov't disputing $500,000 tax refund (AP 6/3)