The 2026 federal poverty guidelines set the income baseline used by dozens of federal and state assistance programs to determine eligibility. For a single person in the 48 contiguous states, the 2026 federal poverty level (FPL) is $15,960 per year. For a family of four, it is $33,000 per year. These figures took effect January 13, 2026, following their annual update by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Whether you are applying for Medicaid, SNAP, ACA marketplace subsidies, or other programs, your household income relative to the FPL is often the first number that determines what you qualify for.
What Are the Federal Poverty Guidelines?
The federal poverty guidelines are published each January in the Federal Register by HHS. They serve as a simplified income threshold used by government agencies and program administrators to determine financial eligibility. The guidelines are based on the prior year's Consumer Price Index data, meaning they adjust slightly each year to account for inflation.
The guidelines differ slightly from the "poverty thresholds" published by the Census Bureau, which are used for statistical purposes. For benefits programs, the HHS poverty guidelines are what matter.
There are three separate sets of guidelines: one for the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., one for Alaska, and one for Hawaii. Both Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds to account for the higher cost of living in those states.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: 48 Contiguous States and D.C.
| Household Size | Annual FPL | Monthly FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add $5,680 per year (approximately $473 per month).
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: Alaska
| Household Size | Annual FPL | Monthly FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $19,950 | $1,663 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $2,254 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $2,846 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $3,438 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $4,029 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $4,621 |
| 7 | $62,550 | $5,213 |
| 8 | $69,650 | $5,804 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add $7,100 per year.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: Hawaii
| Household Size | Annual FPL | Monthly FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $18,360 | $1,530 |
| 2 | $24,890 | $2,074 |
| 3 | $31,420 | $2,618 |
| 4 | $37,950 | $3,163 |
| 5 | $44,480 | $3,707 |
| 6 | $51,010 | $4,251 |
| 7 | $57,540 | $4,795 |
| 8 | $64,070 | $5,339 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add $6,530 per year.
How Much Did the FPL Increase in 2026?
The 2025 FPL for a single person was $15,650. The 2026 figure of $15,960 represents an increase of $310, or roughly 2%. For a family of four, the FPL rose from approximately $32,150 to $33,000, an increase of $850, or about 2.6%.
These increases are modest and reflect the slowing of inflation compared to previous years. Even small increases matter because they raise the income threshold that determines eligibility for several programs, potentially bringing more households into range for assistance.
How Programs Use FPL Percentages
Most programs do not use the raw FPL number. Instead, they set eligibility at a percentage of the FPL. Here is how the most common federal programs apply the 2026 guidelines.
Medicaid
In the 40 states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the FPL. In 2026, that means:
| Household Size | 138% FPL (Medicaid Expansion Limit) |
|---|
| 1 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $45,540 |
In non-expansion states, Medicaid eligibility limits vary widely and are often lower. Many adults in those states may not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
SNAP uses two income tests in most states:
- Gross income limit: 130% of FPL
- Net income limit: 100% of FPL (after allowable deductions)
| Household Size | 130% FPL (SNAP Gross Limit) | 100% FPL (SNAP Net Limit) |
|---|
| 1 | $20,748 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $28,132 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $35,516 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $42,900 | $33,000 |
Some states have adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which can raise the gross income limit to 200% of FPL or higher. Check your state's specific rules for current limits.
ACA Marketplace Subsidies
Premium tax credits for ACA marketplace health insurance are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of FPL. Some households above 400% FPL may also qualify under current subsidy rules.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $132,000 |
Cost-sharing reductions (lower deductibles and copays) are available to households earning up to 250% of FPL who enroll in a Silver plan.
Other Programs Using FPL
Several other programs tie eligibility to the FPL:
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program): Most states cover children up to 200% to 300% of FPL
- WIC: Households up to 185% of FPL are typically eligible
- LIHEAP (home heating assistance): Generally up to 150% of FPL, though states set their own limits
- School Meals: Free meals available to households at or below 130% FPL; reduced-price meals up to 185% FPL
- Lifeline (phone/internet discount): Available at or below 135% of FPL
2026 vs. 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines Comparison
| Household Size | 2025 FPL | 2026 FPL | Change |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $15,960 | +$310 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $21,640 | +$490 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $27,320 | +$670 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $33,000 | +$850 |
The 2026 increase affects eligibility cutoffs for all programs that use FPL percentages. If your income was just over the 2025 threshold for a program, you may now fall under the 2026 threshold.
Who Determines the Poverty Guidelines?
The Department of Health and Human Services publishes the poverty guidelines annually, typically in January. The calculation is based on the U.S. Census Bureau's poverty thresholds, which are then adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
The original poverty measure was developed by economist Mollie Orshansky in the 1960s. It was based on the cost of a minimum diet multiplied by three, reflecting the assumption that families spent about one-third of their income on food. While the methodology has been updated and debated over the decades, the core structure remains in use today.
How to Check Your FPL Percentage
To determine where your income falls relative to the FPL:
- Find the FPL for your household size in the table above
- Divide your annual gross household income by that FPL amount
- Multiply by 100 to get your percentage
For example, a single person earning $22,000 per year:
$22,000 / $15,960 = 1.378 = 137.8% of FPL
At 137.8%, this person would fall just under the 138% Medicaid expansion threshold in expansion states.
Step-by-Step: Checking Benefits Eligibility Using FPL
- Calculate your annual gross household income. Include all sources: wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, and any other regular income. Do not subtract taxes yet.
- Count your household size. This typically means everyone who lives together and shares meals. Program definitions of "household" can vary slightly.
- Find your FPL. Use the table above for your household size.
- Divide your income by the FPL. This gives you your FPL ratio.
- Compare to program thresholds. Check whether you fall under the income limit for each program you are interested in.
- Apply. Each program has its own application process. Use our free benefits screener to see all programs you may qualify for at once.
Keep in mind that most programs look at net income or modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), not just gross income. Allowable deductions for things like childcare, medical expenses, and housing can lower your countable income below the headline figure.
State-Specific Rules Still Apply
The federal poverty guidelines set a national standard, but each program applies them differently depending on state rules. States that have expanded Medicaid use the 138% threshold. States that have not may have much lower cutoffs or exclude certain adult populations entirely. SNAP gross income limits can vary if a state has adopted categorical eligibility.
To see the exact rules in your state, visit our benefits screener and enter your ZIP code. The screener accounts for state-specific variations in income limits and eligibility rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 federal poverty level for a single person?
The 2026 federal poverty guideline for a single person in the 48 contiguous states is $15,960 per year, or $1,330 per month. In Alaska, it is $19,950 per year. In Hawaii, it is $18,360 per year.
What is the 2026 federal poverty level for a family of 4?
For a family of four in the 48 contiguous states, the 2026 FPL is $33,000 per year, or $2,750 per month.
How do the 2026 poverty guidelines affect Medicaid eligibility?
In states that expanded Medicaid, adults with incomes up to 138% of the FPL qualify. Using the 2026 guidelines, that means up to $22,025 per year for a single person and $45,540 for a family of four.
How do the 2026 guidelines affect SNAP eligibility?
SNAP uses a gross income limit of 130% of FPL ($20,748 for one person) and a net income limit of 100% of FPL ($15,960 for one person). Actual eligibility depends on which state you live in and any applicable deductions.
Do the 2026 poverty guidelines affect ACA subsidies?
Yes. Premium tax credits are available for marketplace plans if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the FPL. In 2026, that range is $15,960 to $63,840 for a single person.
When did the 2026 poverty guidelines take effect?
The 2026 guidelines took effect on January 13, 2026, following publication in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026.
Are the poverty guidelines the same in every state?
No. There are three versions: one for the 48 contiguous states and D.C., one for Alaska, and one for Hawaii. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds.
How much did the FPL increase from 2025 to 2026?
The single-person FPL increased by $310 (from $15,650 to $15,960), a rise of approximately 2%. For a family of four, the increase was $850 (from $32,150 to $33,000), about 2.6%.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For a single person, 200% of the 2026 FPL is $31,920 per year. For a family of four, it is $66,000 per year.
What is 400% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For a single person, 400% of the 2026 FPL is $63,840 per year. For a family of four, it is $132,000 per year. This is the upper income threshold for ACA premium tax credit eligibility.
How do I find out which benefits I qualify for?
Use our free benefits screener to enter your household size, income, and ZIP code. The screener checks eligibility across 11 federal and state programs and shows estimated savings for each one you may qualify for.
