The 2025 federal poverty level (FPL) for a single individual is $15,650 per year, and $32,150 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. These guidelines, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are used to determine eligibility for dozens of federal and state assistance programs including Medicaid, ACA health insurance subsidies, SNAP, and more. Not sure which programs you qualify for? Check your eligibility now with our free screener.
What Are the 2025 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines?
The federal poverty level is updated annually by HHS and published in the Federal Register. The 2025 guidelines were published in January 2025 and reflect price changes through calendar year 2024. They apply to most federal assistance programs for the 2025 benefit year.
There are three sets of guidelines: one for the 48 contiguous states and D.C., one for Alaska, and one for Hawaii. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds to account for higher costs of living.
2025 Federal Poverty Level Chart: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
| Household Size | 2025 Annual FPL (100%) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $54,150 |
| Each additional person | Add $5,500 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, January 2025.
2025 FPL Percentages Used for Benefit Programs
Many programs do not use 100% of the FPL as their cutoff. Instead, they use a percentage of the poverty level. The table below shows the most common FPL percentage thresholds and the corresponding annual income for selected household sizes.
| FPL Percentage | Common Use | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | Base FPL | $15,650 | $21,150 | $26,650 | $32,150 |
| 125% | Some SNAP/benefit cutoffs | $19,563 | $26,438 | $33,313 | $40,188 |
| 138% | Medicaid expansion (ACA) | $21,597 | $29,187 | $36,777 | $44,367 |
| 150% | SNAP gross income limit | $23,475 | $31,725 | $39,975 | $48,225 |
| 185% | WIC, free school meals | $28,953 | $39,128 | $49,303 | $59,478 |
| 200% | CHIP (many states) | $31,300 | $42,300 | $53,300 | $64,300 |
| 250% | ACA cost-sharing reductions | $39,125 | $52,875 | $66,625 | $80,375 |
| 300% | Various state programs | $46,950 | $63,450 | $79,950 | $96,450 |
| 400% | ACA premium tax credit cap | $62,600 | $84,600 | $106,600 | $128,600 |
Note: Figures are calculated from the base 2025 FPL and rounded to the nearest dollar.
Which Programs Use the Federal Poverty Level?
The FPL is used as an eligibility benchmark for many federal and state programs. Here are the major ones:
Health Coverage Programs
- Medicaid: Up to 138% FPL in states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program): Typically covers children in families up to 200% to 300% FPL, varying by state
- ACA Marketplace Subsidies: Premium tax credits for households between 100% and 400% FPL; cost-sharing reductions up to 250% FPL
Food and Nutrition Programs
- SNAP (Food Stamps): Gross income up to 130% FPL (or higher in states with broad-based categorical eligibility, often 200%)
- WIC: Income up to 185% FPL
- National School Lunch Program: Free meals at 130% FPL; reduced-price meals at 185% FPL
Other Assistance Programs
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance): Varies by state, typically 150% FPL or state median income
- Lifeline (Phone/Internet Discount): 135% FPL or enrollment in qualifying programs
- Head Start: 100% FPL (with some exceptions)
Want to know which of these programs you may qualify for? Use our free benefits screener to check all programs at once.
How Is the Federal Poverty Level Calculated?
The FPL starts with a base amount for a single individual ($15,650 in 2025) and adds $5,500 for each additional household member. The formula is straightforward:
FPL = $15,650 + ($5,500 x number of additional people)
For example, a household of 4: $15,650 + ($5,500 x 3) = $15,650 + $16,500 = $32,150
HHS updates these figures each January based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from the prior calendar year.
2025 FPL for Alaska and Hawaii
Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher poverty guidelines:
| Household Size | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,560 | $18,000 |
| 2 | $26,440 | $24,330 |
| 3 | $33,320 | $30,660 |
| 4 | $40,200 | $36,990 |
| 5 | $47,080 | $43,320 |
| 6 | $53,960 | $49,650 |
| 7 | $60,840 | $55,980 |
| 8 | $67,720 | $62,310 |
| Each additional person | Add $6,880 | Add $6,330 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Verify current Alaska and Hawaii amounts at aspe.hhs.gov.
How to Check Your Eligibility for Federal Benefits
Follow these steps to determine what programs you may qualify for based on your income and household size:
- Determine your household size. Count everyone who lives together and shares financial resources, including yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
- Calculate your household income. Add up all income sources: wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, unemployment, and other taxable income.
- Compare to the FPL chart. Find your household size in the chart above and see where your income falls relative to the poverty level percentages.
- Check program-specific thresholds. Different programs use different FPL cutoffs. Review the percentage table above to see which programs you may qualify for.
- Use a benefits screener. The fastest way to check all programs at once is to use our free eligibility screener, which checks 11 or more programs in minutes.
What Is the Difference Between the Federal Poverty Level and the Federal Poverty Threshold?
The federal poverty level (guidelines) and the federal poverty threshold are related but different measures. The poverty guidelines are issued by HHS and used for program eligibility. The poverty thresholds are issued by the U.S. Census Bureau and used for statistical purposes, such as calculating the official poverty rate. The thresholds vary by family composition and age of householder, while the guidelines use a simpler formula based only on household size. For benefit eligibility, the poverty guidelines are what matters.
How Does the 2025 FPL Compare to 2024?
The 2025 poverty guidelines increased modestly from 2024 to reflect inflation:
| Household Size | 2024 FPL | 2025 FPL | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 | $15,650 | $590 |
| 2 | $20,440 | $21,150 | $710 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $26,650 | $830 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $32,150 | $950 |
The per-person increment rose from $5,380 in 2024 to $5,500 in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2025 federal poverty guidelines effective?
The 2025 poverty guidelines were published in the Federal Register in January 2025 and are effective for the 2025 calendar year. Most programs begin using the updated guidelines within 30 to 60 days of publication.
Does the FPL apply to undocumented immigrants?
The poverty guidelines themselves are just income thresholds. However, eligibility for most federal benefit programs also requires specific immigration or citizenship status. Some programs like emergency Medicaid and WIC may be available regardless of immigration status, depending on the state.
What if my income is just above the FPL cutoff for a program?
Many states offer transitional benefits or have slightly higher income limits than the federal minimums. Some programs also allow deductions that reduce your countable income. Check your eligibility with our screener to see all options available to you.
Are the poverty guidelines the same in every state?
The base FPL guidelines are the same across the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines. However, individual programs may use different FPL percentages by state. For example, Medicaid income limits vary significantly depending on whether a state expanded Medicaid.
How is household size determined for FPL purposes?
Household size generally includes you, your spouse (if filing jointly), and your tax dependents. For Medicaid and ACA purposes, the household is based on your tax filing unit. For SNAP, it includes people who live together and purchase/prepare meals together.
Where can I find the official 2025 poverty guidelines?
The official guidelines are published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at aspe.hhs.gov.
Check Your Benefits Eligibility Today
Your income relative to the federal poverty level determines access to health coverage, food assistance, energy assistance, and more. Instead of checking each program individually, use our free benefits screener to find every program you qualify for in just a few minutes. It covers 11 or more federal and state programs across all 50 states.
