The 2026 federal poverty level (FPL) is $15,960 per year for an individual and $33,000 per year for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. These updated guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in January 2026 and are used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, ACA marketplace subsidies, CHIP, and dozens of other federal and state assistance programs. If your household income falls at or below certain percentages of these amounts, you may qualify for reduced-cost or free benefits.
What Is the Federal Poverty Level?
The federal poverty level is an income threshold updated annually by HHS. Government agencies and programs use it as a baseline to decide who qualifies for assistance. Rather than a single cutoff, most programs set eligibility at a percentage of the FPL, such as 138% for Medicaid in expansion states or 130% for SNAP.
The FPL is based on household size and is adjusted each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The 2026 guidelines reflect price changes through 2025.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Income Guidelines Table
The following table shows the official 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
| Household Size | 2026 Annual FPL | 2026 Monthly FPL | 2025 Annual FPL | Change from 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 | $15,650 | +$310 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 | $21,150 | +$490 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 | $26,650 | +$670 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 | $32,150 | +$850 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 | $37,650 | +$1,030 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 | $43,150 | +$1,210 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 | $48,650 | +$1,390 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 | $54,150 | +$1,570 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$473 | +$5,500 | +$180 |
Note: Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher poverty guidelines. Contact your local benefits office or check your eligibility with our free screener for state-specific amounts.
2026 FPL Percentage Thresholds for Major Programs
Most programs do not use 100% of the FPL as their cutoff. Instead, they use a percentage of the FPL. Here is how income limits work for common programs based on the 2026 guidelines for a family of four ($33,000 FPL):
| Program | FPL Percentage | Family of 4 Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid (expansion states) | 138% | $45,540 |
| Medicaid (children, typical) | 200% | $66,000 |
| CHIP (typical range) | 200% to 300% | $66,000 to $99,000 |
| SNAP (gross income) | 130% | $42,900 |
| ACA Premium Tax Credits | 100% to 400% | $33,000 to $132,000 |
| WIC | 185% | $61,050 |
| LIHEAP | 150% | $49,500 |
| Free School Meals | 130% | $42,900 |
| Reduced Price School Meals | 185% | $61,050 |
| Head Start | 100% | $33,000 |
Dollar amounts are approximate calculations based on the 2026 FPL of $33,000 for a family of four. Actual program thresholds may vary by state. Check with your local office or use our free screener for personalized results.
How Did the 2026 FPL Change from 2025?
The 2026 poverty guidelines increased modestly compared to 2025, reflecting inflation measured by the CPI-U. For an individual, the FPL rose by $310 (from $15,650 to $15,960), roughly a 2% increase. For a family of four, it increased by $850 (from $32,150 to $33,000), approximately a 2.6% increase.
HHS noted that due to a federal government shutdown in October 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not publish the CPI-U for that month. The 2026 guidelines were therefore calculated using 11 months of 2025 CPI-U data (excluding October) compared against all 12 months of 2024.
This increase means slightly more people may qualify for income-based benefits in 2026 compared to prior years, as the income ceilings have risen.
What Programs Use the Federal Poverty Level?
The FPL determines eligibility for a wide range of programs. Here are the most common ones:
Health coverage programs:
- Medicaid and CHIP (income-based eligibility)
- ACA Marketplace premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions
- Medicare Savings Programs (helps pay Medicare premiums)
Food and nutrition programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs
Housing and utility programs:
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Public housing
Other programs:
- Head Start
- Lifeline (phone and internet discount)
- Legal Services Corporation
Not sure which programs you qualify for? Take our free eligibility screener to check multiple programs at once based on your income and household size.
How to Check Your Eligibility Using the 2026 FPL
Follow these steps to determine whether your household qualifies for benefits under the 2026 guidelines:
Step 1: Calculate your household income. Add up gross annual income for everyone in your household. Include wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and other taxable income.
Step 2: Count your household size. Include yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you claim on your tax return. Some programs count household members differently, so check specific program rules.
Step 3: Find your FPL threshold. Use the table above to find the base FPL for your household size. Then multiply by the percentage required for the program you are interested in.
Step 4: Compare your income. If your household income falls at or below the program's FPL threshold, you likely meet the income requirement. Other eligibility factors such as age, disability status, citizenship, and state of residence may also apply.
Step 5: Apply for benefits. Visit your state's benefits portal or use our free screener to identify all programs you may qualify for and get links to apply.
How Is the Federal Poverty Level Calculated?
The FPL is based on the Census Bureau's poverty thresholds, which were originally developed in the 1960s using the cost of a minimum food diet multiplied by three. Each year, HHS adjusts these thresholds for inflation using the CPI-U and publishes simplified guidelines with uniform increments between household sizes.
The guidelines are typically published in the Federal Register each January and take effect shortly after. Programs begin using the new guidelines on different dates depending on their own rules and administrative timelines.
Alaska and Hawaii 2026 Poverty Guidelines
Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher FPL amounts due to the higher cost of living in those states. While exact 2026 figures for Alaska and Hawaii should be confirmed through the HHS ASPE website, historically Alaska's guidelines run approximately 25% higher and Hawaii's approximately 15% higher than the contiguous states figures.
If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, check your eligibility with our screener for amounts specific to your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the 2026 federal poverty guidelines take effect?
The 2026 poverty guidelines were published by HHS in January 2026 and are effective upon publication in the Federal Register. However, individual programs may begin using the updated guidelines on different dates. Most programs transition to the new guidelines within 30 to 60 days of publication.
What is 138% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For an individual, 138% of the 2026 FPL is approximately $22,025 per year. For a family of four, 138% is approximately $45,540 per year. This is the income threshold used for Medicaid eligibility in states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
What is 400% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
For an individual, 400% of the 2026 FPL is $63,840 per year. For a family of four, 400% is $132,000. This threshold is significant because ACA marketplace premium tax credits are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the FPL.
Is the federal poverty level the same in every state?
The FPL amounts are the same across the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher guidelines. However, each state may set its own program eligibility thresholds at different percentages of the FPL, meaning the actual income limit for a specific program can vary significantly by state.
Does Social Security income count toward the FPL for benefits eligibility?
It depends on the program. For Medicaid and ACA marketplace eligibility, most forms of income count, including Social Security benefits. For SNAP, Social Security is counted as income but certain deductions may apply. Each program has its own rules for what counts as income.
How is the FPL different from the federal poverty threshold?
The poverty guidelines (commonly called the FPL) are published by HHS and used to determine program eligibility. The poverty thresholds are published by the Census Bureau and used for statistical purposes, such as estimating how many Americans live in poverty. The guidelines are a simplified version of the thresholds with uniform increments between household sizes.
Can I qualify for benefits if my income is above the FPL?
Yes. Many programs set eligibility well above 100% of the FPL. For example, ACA premium tax credits are available up to 400% FPL, CHIP covers children in families up to 200% to 300% FPL depending on the state, and SNAP uses 130% of FPL as the gross income limit. Check our free screener to see what you may qualify for.
Check Your Benefits Eligibility Now
The 2026 federal poverty level guidelines determine access to billions of dollars in government benefits each year. Whether you need health coverage, food assistance, utility help, or other support, your eligibility often starts with how your income compares to these guidelines.
Do not leave money on the table. Use our free benefits eligibility screener to check all available programs for your household in minutes. It is free, private, and takes less than five minutes to complete.
