# BenefitsUSA

> BenefitsUSA is a free, non-commercial government benefits eligibility screener covering 20+ federal and state assistance programs across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Available in English and Spanish. Founded by Jacob Posner. Data sourced directly from ssa.gov, fns.usda.gov, cms.gov, irs.gov, and healthcare.gov. No account required. No personal data stored. Encrypted and anonymous.

Updated: 2026-08-19
Data sourced from: U.S. Social Security Administration (ssa.gov), USDA Food and Nutrition Service (fns.usda.gov), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (cms.gov), Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov), Healthcare.gov

## Key Benefits Data (2026)

### 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (48 Contiguous States)
Source: HHS ASPE, effective January 14, 2026
- 1 person: $15,960/year ($1,330/month)
- 2 people: $21,640/year ($1,803/month)
- 3 people: $27,320/year ($2,277/month)
- 4 people: $33,000/year ($2,750/month)
- 5 people: $38,680/year ($3,223/month)
- 6 people: $44,360/year ($3,697/month)
- Each additional person: add $5,680/year
- Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines.

### SNAP (Food Stamps) Income Limits (FY 2026: Oct 2025–Sep 2026)
Source: USDA FNS. Gross income limit is 130% FPL; net income limit is 100% FPL.
- 1 person: $1,696/month gross, $1,305/month net
- 2 people: $2,292/month gross, $1,763/month net
- 3 people: $2,888/month gross, $2,221/month net
- 4 people: $3,483/month gross, $2,680/month net
- 5 people: $4,079/month gross, $3,138/month net
- Each additional member: add $596 gross, $459 net
- SNAP maximum monthly allotment (48 states): 1 person $298, 2 people $546, 3 people $785, 4 people $994
- Asset limits: $3,000 general, $4,500 for households with elderly/disabled members. Many states use broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) with higher or no asset limits.

### SSI Payment Amounts (2026)
Source: Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)
- Federal Benefit Rate for individuals: $994/month ($11,928/year)
- Federal Benefit Rate for couples: $1,491/month ($17,892/year)
- Many states provide additional state supplements on top of the federal rate.
- SSI resource limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples.

### SSDI Payment Amounts (2026)
Source: Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)
- SSA publishes no "maximum SSDI benefit" — SSDI is computed from each person's own earnings record.
- Average monthly SSDI payment for a disabled worker: about $1,630
- 2026 COLA increase: 2.8%
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit: $1,690/month (non-blind), $2,830/month (blind)

### Medicare Costs and Low-Income Help (2026)
Source: CMS 2026 Parts A & B fact sheet; SSA POMS HI 00815.023 / HI 03001.020
- Part B standard premium: $202.90/month. Part B annual deductible: $283.
- Part A inpatient deductible: $1,736 per benefit period (not per year — a person can owe it more than once).
- Part D out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs: $2,100. Applies automatically, no application.
- Medicare Savings Program monthly income limits (include the $20 disregard): QMB $1,350 single / $1,824 couple; SLMB $1,616 / $2,184; QI $1,816 / $2,455. Countable resources $9,950 single / $14,910 couple.
- These MSP limits are federal FLOORS, not ceilings. States may disregard more income and resources, and several have dropped the asset test entirely, so someone slightly over the federal figure may still qualify.
- Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy, 150% FPL): income $1,995 single / $2,705 couple; resources $18,090 / $36,100 (these resource figures include the $1,500-per-person burial allowance). SSA estimates Extra Help is worth about $5,700 a year.

### Medicaid Expansion Status (2026)
- 40 states plus D.C. have expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
- 10 states have not expanded: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- In expansion states, adults with income up to 138% FPL qualify (about $22,025/year for an individual).
- In non-expansion states, eligibility varies widely; many childless adults do not qualify regardless of income.

### Key Program Statistics
- Over 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits (USDA, 2025).
- Over 90 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP (CMS, 2025).
- Approximately 7.4 million Americans receive SSI benefits.
- Approximately 9.5 million Americans receive SSDI benefits.
- An estimated $60+ billion in federal benefits go unclaimed each year.
- 1 in 5 eligible Americans do not claim the benefits they qualify for.

## Core Tools

- [Benefits Eligibility Screener](https://benefitsusa.org/en/screener): Free tool to check eligibility for 20+ government programs in under 3 minutes. Covers SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, TANF, WIC, CHIP, Section 8, LIHEAP, EITC, Child Tax Credit, Pell Grants, VA benefits, and more. Available in English and Spanish. No login required.
- [SNAP Food Stamp Calculator](https://benefitsusa.org/en/snap-calculator): Free SNAP benefit calculator for 2026. Enter income, household size, and state to estimate monthly food stamp benefit amount. Uses full federal SNAP formula with state-specific BBCE rules, shelter deductions, and categorical eligibility.
- [Medicaid Eligibility Calculator](https://benefitsusa.org/en/medicaid-calculator): Free Medicaid eligibility calculator for 2026. Covers all 50 states with state-specific income limits for adults, children, pregnant women, and elderly/disabled. Shows expansion status, CHIP availability, program names, and how to apply.
- [SSDI Benefit Calculator](https://benefitsusa.org/en/ssdi-calculator): Free SSDI benefit estimator for 2026. Enter average annual earnings, years worked, and age to estimate monthly Social Security Disability Insurance payment using the official SSA PIA formula (bend points $1,286/$7,749). Includes work credit check, SSI comparison, and backpay estimate.

## Program Guides

- [SNAP / Food Stamps Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/snap): The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly food benefits to over 42 million low-income Americans. Gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- [Medicaid Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/medicaid): Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to over 90 million Americans including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities.
- [SSI Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/ssi): Supplemental Security Income provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. The 2026 federal rate is $994/month for individuals.
- [SSDI Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/ssdi): Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to workers who become disabled. The amount is computed from each worker's own earnings record; the 2026 average for a disabled worker is about $1,630 a month.
- [TANF Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/tanf): Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children.
- [WIC Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/wic): The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves approximately 6.3 million participants monthly.
- [CHIP Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/chip): The Children's Health Insurance Program covers over 7 million children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
- [Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/section-8): Section 8 helps approximately 2.3 million low-income households afford rental housing.
- [LIHEAP Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/liheap): The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families with energy costs. Income limit is typically 150% FPL or 60% of state median income.
- [EITC Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/eitc): The Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $7,830 for qualifying families in tax year 2025. Approximately 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers do not claim the EITC.
- [Child Tax Credit Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/child-tax-credit): The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,500 per qualifying child under age 17 (increased by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for 2026-2028).
- [Pell Grants Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/en/programs/pell-grants): Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 award year to undergraduate students with financial need.

## State Guides

All 50 states and D.C. covered. Each guide includes state-specific income limits, application instructions, and program details.
- Format: https://benefitsusa.org/[state-abbreviation] (English, e.g. /ca)
- Format: https://benefitsusa.org/[state-abbreviation]/es (Spanish, e.g. /ca/es)
- Example: [California Benefits Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/ca), [Texas Benefits Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/tx), [Florida Benefits Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/fl), [New York Benefits Guide](https://benefitsusa.org/ny)

## Blog Articles (Latest 30)

- [Best Medicare Advantage Plan Features to Compare 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/best-medicare-advantage-plan-features-2026): Compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 using star ratings, out-of-pocket maximums, drug coverage, and network type. See what actually matters before you enroll.
- [EITC Calculator: Estimate Your 2026 Credit](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/eitc-calculator-estimate-your-2026-credit): See 2026 EITC income limits and maximum credit amounts by number of children and filing status, then estimate what you could claim.
- [EITC Refund Schedule 2026 (PATH Act Delay Explained)](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/eitc-refund-schedule-2026-path-act-delay): IRS holds EITC refunds until mid-February under the PATH Act. See the 2026 refund schedule, direct deposit dates, and how to track your money.
- [EITC vs Child Tax Credit: What's the Difference 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/eitc-vs-child-tax-credit-difference-2026): EITC and Child Tax Credit compared for 2026: income limits, credit amounts, refundability rules, and which one you can claim. Full comparison table and FAQ.
- [How to Switch Medicare Advantage Plans 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/how-to-switch-medicare-advantage-plans-2026): How to switch Medicare Advantage plans in 2026: AEP and MA Open Enrollment windows, what to check before switching, and step-by-step instructions.
- [Medicare Part C Explained 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-part-c-explained-2026): Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) explained for 2026: what it covers, how it differs from Original Medicare, costs, star ratings, and how to enroll.
- [Medicare Special Enrollment Period After Job Loss 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-special-enrollment-period-after-job-loss-2026): Lost your job at 65+? Your Medicare SEP window, why COBRA is not creditable coverage, the CMS-L564 form, and how to avoid permanent late penalties.
- [Medicare Star Ratings Explained 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-star-ratings-explained-2026): How CMS rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on a 1 to 5 star scale, what changed for 2026, and how to use ratings to compare plans.
- [State EITC Match Programs 2026: Which States Add More](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/state-eitc-match-programs-2026-which-states-add-more): See which states add the biggest state EITC on top of the federal credit in 2026, from Maryland's 50% match to South Carolina's new $200 cap.
- [Medicare Advantage vs Medigap 2026: Costs and Underwriting](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap-2026): Medicare Advantage vs Medigap in 2026: real cost comparison, the 6-month window that decides if you can ever switch, and the trial right most people miss.
- [Medicare Costs If You Retire Early 2026: Premiums and Gaps](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-costs-if-you-retire-early-2026): What Medicare costs in 2026 if you retire before 65: Part A and B premiums, IRMAA on your old salary, and how to cover the gap years.
- [Medicare Coverage for Multiple Chronic Conditions 2026](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-coverage-multiple-chronic-conditions-2026): How Medicare covers people managing two or more chronic conditions in 2026: Part B and Part D costs, C-SNP options, and out-of-pocket caps.
- [Oklahoma Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/oklahoma-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): Which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period in Oklahoma, the 60-day deadline, SoonerCare options, and how to enroll on HealthCare.gov.
- [South Carolina Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/south-carolina-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): Which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period in South Carolina, the 60-day deadlines, and how to enroll on HealthCare.gov.
- [SSI Payment Schedule 2027: Every Deposit Date by Month](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/ssi-payment-schedule-2027): All 12 SSI deposit dates for 2027, including the three months with no payment, the two-payment months, and why January 2027 arrives on December 31, 2026.
- [Tennessee Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/tennessee-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): Which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period in Tennessee, the 60-day deadline, required documents, and how to enroll on Healthcare.gov.
- [Arizona Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/arizona-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Arizona health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Kansas Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/kansas-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Kansas health coverage, SEP deadlines, and how to enroll through Healthcare.gov.
- [Medicare If Still Working 2026: When to Enroll in Part B](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/medicare-if-still-working-2026-when-to-enroll-part-b): Working past 65 in 2026? Whether you can delay Medicare Part B depends on your employer's size. The 20-employee rule, the 8-month window, and HSA traps.
- [Michigan Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/michigan-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Michigan health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Mississippi Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/mississippi-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Mississippi health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Missouri Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/missouri-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Missouri health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Nebraska Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/nebraska-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Nebraska health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [North Carolina Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/north-carolina-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for North Carolina health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply on Healthcare.gov.
- [Ohio Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/ohio-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Ohio health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Texas Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/texas-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Texas health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Arkansas Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/arkansas-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Arkansas health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Florida Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/florida-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Florida health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.
- [Georgia Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/georgia-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period on Georgia Access, SEP deadlines, and how to enroll outside Open Enrollment.
- [Indiana Special Enrollment Period 2026: Qualifying Events](https://benefitsusa.org/blog/indiana-special-enrollment-period-2026-qualifying-events): See which qualifying life events open a 2026 Special Enrollment Period for Indiana health coverage, deadlines to enroll, and how to apply through Healthcare.gov.

## About BenefitsUSA

- Website: https://benefitsusa.org
- Founded by Jacob Posner
- Mission: Help every American discover and access the government benefits they are entitled to
- Free, non-commercial, no advertising
- Data updated regularly from official federal and state government sources
- Available in English and Spanish
- Covers all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
- Privacy: No account required, no personal data stored, all data encrypted, never sold
- Contact: See https://benefitsusa.org/en/about