What Is Poverty Level Income in 2026? Official Tables, Percentages & State Breakdowns
Poverty level income — officially called the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or Federal Poverty Guideline — is the annual income threshold set each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to define who qualifies as economically poor for the purposes of government assistance programs.
In 2026, the poverty income level for a single person in the 48 contiguous states is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month). For a family of four, it is $33,000 per year ($2,750/month).
These numbers are not just statistics. They are the gatekeepers to food assistance (SNAP), healthcare (Medicaid, CHIP), ACA health insurance subsidies, energy help (LIHEAP), and dozens of other federal and state programs. Knowing exactly where your income falls relative to the poverty line can make the difference between qualifying and not.
Use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to find your exact FPL percentage in seconds.
2026 Poverty Level Income — 48 Contiguous States & D.C.
The table below shows the official 2026 poverty level income for household sizes 1 through 8 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. These figures are effective as of January 14, 2026, as published in the Federal Register by HHS.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | Monthly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$473 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HHS.gov. Effective January 14, 2026.
Alaska: Base FPL is $19,950 for one person (approx. 25% higher than contiguous U.S.) Hawaii: Base FPL is $18,360 for one person (approx. 15% higher than contiguous U.S.)
For the full Alaska and Hawaii tables at multiple FPL percentages, see What Is the Federal Poverty Level?
Most Common Poverty Level Income Percentages (2026)
Government programs don’t just use the 100% poverty line — they set eligibility at specific percentages above or below it. Below are the most widely used FPL percentages, what programs they apply to, and the corresponding income levels for one person and a family of four in the 48 contiguous states.
| % of FPL | Used For | 1 Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | Very low income housing programs (Section 8) | $7,980 | $16,500 |
| 100% | Base poverty line — SNAP net income limit; Medicaid baseline | $15,960 | $33,000 |
| 130% | SNAP gross income limit (most households) | $20,748 | $42,900 |
| 133% | Medicaid — children and pregnant women in many states | $21,227 | $43,890 |
| 135% | Lifeline phone/internet discount program | $21,546 | $44,550 |
| 138% | Medicaid expansion limit (ACA, 40+ states) | $22,025 | $45,540 |
| 150% | LIHEAP energy assistance; Medicare Extra Help | $23,940 | $49,500 |
| 185% | WIC (Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program) | $29,526 | $61,050 |
| 200% | CHIP in many states; SNAP broad-based eligibility | $31,920 | $66,000 |
| 250% | ACA cost-sharing reductions (silver plans) | $39,900 | $82,500 |
| 300% | Nursing Home Medicaid / HCBS Waivers (many states) | $47,880 | $99,000 |
| 400% | ACA Marketplace premium tax credit upper limit | $63,840 | $132,000 |
Use the FPL Calculator to enter your income and see your exact percentage — and which programs it unlocks.
What Is Poverty Level Income by Household Size? (2026 Full Breakdown)
Single Person (Household of 1)
- 100% FPL: $15,960/year — the official poverty line
- 138% FPL: $22,025/year — Medicaid expansion cutoff
- 200% FPL: $31,920/year — considered low income
- 400% FPL: $63,840/year — ACA subsidy upper limit
A single person earning under $15,960 per year is below the poverty line. At $22,025 or below, they likely qualify for Medicaid in the 40+ states that expanded coverage under the ACA.
Family of 2
- 100% FPL: $21,640/year
- 138% FPL: $29,863/year
- 200% FPL: $43,280/year
- 400% FPL: $86,560/year
Family of 3
- 100% FPL: $27,320/year ($2,277/month)
- 138% FPL: $37,702/year
- 200% FPL: $54,640/year
- 400% FPL: $109,280/year
Family of 4
- 100% FPL: $33,000/year — the benchmark most commonly cited
- 130% FPL: $42,900/year — gross SNAP income limit
- 138% FPL: $45,540/year — Medicaid expansion cutoff
- 200% FPL: $66,000/year — CHIP and expanded SNAP in many states
- 400% FPL: $132,000/year — ACA subsidy upper limit
For a family of four, income below $33,000/year means the household is officially at or below the poverty line. Income between $33,000 and $66,000 is generally considered low income. Income up to $132,000 may still qualify for ACA premium subsidies.
Poverty Level Income by State: Does It Change?
The federal poverty level income is the same in all 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. Your state of residence does not affect the poverty threshold used for program eligibility — with two exceptions:
Alaska applies a higher poverty guideline because of its remote location and elevated cost of living. In 2026, the base FPL for a single Alaskan is $19,950 — about 25% above the national figure.
Hawaii also carries a higher threshold due to elevated prices for housing, goods, and services. In 2026, the base FPL for a single Hawaii resident is $18,360 — approximately 15% higher than the contiguous U.S.
However, even though the poverty guidelines themselves don’t vary by state (except AK and HI), the programs that use the FPL do set their own state-level eligibility cutoffs. For example:
- Two states can both use 138% FPL as their Medicaid income limit, but one may have a broader definition of countable income than the other.
- Some states have expanded SNAP eligibility to 200% FPL using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), while others cap it at 130%.
Always check your specific state’s program rules after finding your FPL percentage. The Federal Poverty Level Calculator includes Alaska and Hawaii adjustments built in.
Is Poverty Level Income Gross or Net?
This is one of the most common points of confusion — and it matters because using the wrong figure can lead to incorrect eligibility assumptions.
For most programs, gross income (before taxes) is used:
- SNAP uses both: gross income must be at or below 130% FPL, and net income (after deductions for shelter, childcare, etc.) must be at or below 100% FPL.
- Medicaid expansion (ACA) uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — essentially gross income with a few adjustments for things like student loan interest and IRA contributions.
- CHIP uses MAGI-based income, similar to Medicaid.
- LIHEAP uses gross household income.
For some programs, net income or MAGI is used:
- ACA Marketplace subsidies use MAGI, not simple gross income.
- Medicaid for seniors and disabled individuals may use net income after medical deductions, depending on the state and the specific Medicaid program (e.g., Nursing Home Medicaid).
Does Social Security count as income for the poverty level?
Yes — Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Social Security retirement benefits count as income for most programs, including SNAP and standard Medicaid. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is excluded from SNAP income calculations, but counts for other programs.
When in doubt, contact the administering agency or use the official benefits.gov screening tool for the program you are applying to.
What Programs Use Poverty Level Income?
Poverty level income thresholds determine eligibility for a wide range of federal and state programs. Below is a summary of the most important ones and how they use the FPL.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the largest user of FPL-based income limits. In the 40+ states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults with household income up to 138% FPL qualify. That is $22,025/year for a single person in 2026.
For elderly, blind, and disabled individuals applying for Regular Medicaid, many states use 100% FPL as the income limit. For Nursing Home Medicaid and HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Waivers, many states use 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) — which equals $2,982/month in 2026 — rather than the FPL directly.
See the Federal Poverty Level and Medicaid Eligibility guide for full details.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
SNAP uses the federal poverty guideline to set income eligibility:
- Gross income test: Household income must be at or below 130% FPL before deductions.
- Net income test: Household income must be at or below 100% FPL after allowable deductions.
- Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE): 39 states have expanded the gross income limit to 200% FPL, making more working families eligible.
SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts also depend on household expenses, so your FPL percentage alone does not determine your benefit. Use the FPL Calculator to find your percentage, then check your state’s SNAP office for the benefit estimate.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
CHIP provides health coverage to children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Most states set CHIP eligibility between 200% and 300% FPL. This means a family of four earning up to $66,000–$99,000/year in 2026 may qualify for their children’s coverage, depending on the state.
ACA Marketplace Subsidies
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) uses the FPL to determine:
- Premium Tax Credits: Available to households earning between 100% and 400% FPL (between $15,960 and $63,840 for a single person in 2026).
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR): Available on silver plans for households earning up to 250% FPL ($39,900 for a single person).
Note: For 2026 Marketplace plans, eligibility is determined using the 2025 FPL, not the 2026 figures.
WIC
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides food and nutrition support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5. Eligibility is set at 185% FPL — $29,526/year for a single person in 2026, or $61,050 for a family of four.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households pay utility bills and heating costs. Most states set eligibility at 150% FPL or below, though individual states can set their own limits.
Lifeline (Phone & Internet)
The FCC’s Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on phone or broadband service to eligible households. Income eligibility is set at 135% FPL — $21,546/year for a single person in 2026.
What Is Considered Low Income in the U.S.?
“Low income” does not have a single federal definition, but it is commonly used to describe households earning at different levels relative to the FPL:
| Income Category | FPL Range | 1 Person (2026) | Family of 4 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely low income | Up to 30% FPL | Up to $4,788 | Up to $9,900 |
| Very low income | Up to 50% FPL | Up to $7,980 | Up to $16,500 |
| Low income | Up to 80% FPL | Up to $12,768 | Up to $26,400 |
| Moderate / near-poverty | Up to 200% FPL | Up to $31,920 | Up to $66,000 |
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) uses these income bands for housing assistance programs. SNAP and Medicaid use the 100–138% range. “Low income” in everyday use most often means income at or below 200% FPL.
Poverty Level Income vs. Poverty Threshold: What’s the Difference?
These two terms are closely related but serve different purposes:
Federal Poverty Guideline (FPL) — Published by HHS each January. Used by government programs to determine who qualifies for benefits. This is the figure on this page and in the FPL Calculator.
Federal Poverty Threshold — Published by the U.S. Census Bureau. Used for statistical research and counting how many Americans live in poverty. Not used for program eligibility.
The two figures are derived from the same underlying data but differ slightly due to rounding and standardization. For benefits applications, always use the HHS poverty guidelines.
How to Calculate Your Poverty Level Income Percentage
Use this simple formula:
Your annual household income ÷ FPL for your household size × 100 = Your FPL %
Example 1: A single person earns $22,000/year. $22,000 ÷ $15,960 × 100 = 137.8% FPL → Just below the 138% Medicaid expansion line.
Example 2: A family of 4 earns $50,000/year. $50,000 ÷ $33,000 × 100 = 151.5% FPL → Above Medicaid expansion, but may qualify for ACA subsidies and CHIP for children.
Example 3: A family of 3 earns $30,000/year. $30,000 ÷ $27,320 × 100 = 109.8% FPL → Below 130% FPL, likely eligible for SNAP and Medicaid.
Or skip the math entirely — use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator to get your exact percentage instantly, along with monthly and weekly income breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poverty Level Income
What is the poverty level income for 2026?
The poverty level income for a single person in 2026 is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month) in the 48 contiguous states. For a family of four, it is $33,000 per year. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds — $19,950 and $18,360 respectively for one person.
What salary is poverty level in the USA?
For a single adult in the contiguous U.S., $15,960 per year ($7.67/hour working full-time, 40 hours/week, 52 weeks) is the 2026 poverty line. Any salary at or below this amount places a single-person household at or below the official poverty threshold.
How much is 200% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
200% FPL is $31,920 per year for one person and $66,000 per year for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states. This threshold is commonly used by CHIP, SNAP expansion states, and some Medicaid waiver programs.
What is 138% of the poverty level in 2026?
$22,025 per year ($1,835/month) for a single person — this is the Medicaid expansion cutoff used in over 40 states under the ACA. For a family of four, it is $45,540/year.
What is 400% of the poverty level in 2026?
$63,840 per year for a single person and $132,000 for a family of four. Historically, this was the upper income limit for ACA Marketplace premium tax credits.
What is 300% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
$47,880 per year for a single person and $99,000 for a family of four. This threshold is used by some state CHIP programs and, more importantly, by many states as the income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid and HCBS Medicaid Waivers (expressed as 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate = $2,982/month).
What is 250% of the poverty level in 2026?
$39,900 for a single person and $82,500 for a family of four. This is the income limit for ACA cost-sharing reductions on silver Marketplace plans, which significantly reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
What is the poverty line for a family of 3 in 2026?
$27,320 per year ($2,277/month) in the 48 contiguous states. At this income level, the family may qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs, depending on the state.
Is the federal poverty level before or after taxes?
For nearly all federal programs, the poverty level income comparison uses gross income — your earnings before federal and state taxes are withheld. ACA subsidies use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is close to gross income but with a few specific adjustments. Medicaid for elderly and disabled individuals may use net income after deductions in some states.
Does Social Security count as income for poverty level calculations?
Yes. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security retirement benefits count as gross income for most programs, including SNAP and Medicaid eligibility determinations. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is excluded from SNAP’s income calculation but counts for other programs. Always verify with the specific program you are applying to.
What is considered low income in the U.S. in 2026?
Low income is typically defined as household income at or below 200% of the FPL. In 2026, that is $31,920/year for a single person and $66,000/year for a family of four. Households below 100% FPL are below the official poverty line. Households below 50% FPL are considered very low income.
How do I know if I am below the poverty line?
Compare your annual household gross income to the 2026 FPL for your household size (see the table at the top of this page). If your income is lower than the 100% FPL figure for your family size, you are below the poverty line. Use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator for an instant answer.
What is the difference between poverty guidelines and poverty thresholds?
Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) are published by HHS and used to determine program eligibility — these are the figures on this page. Federal Poverty Thresholds are published by the Census Bureau and used solely for statistical purposes to count Americans living in poverty. For benefits applications, always use the HHS guidelines.
Quick Reference: 2026 Poverty Level Income at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Single person poverty line | $15,960/year ($1,330/mo) |
| Family of 4 poverty line | $33,000/year ($2,750/mo) |
| 138% FPL — single | $22,025/year (Medicaid expansion) |
| 138% FPL — family of 4 | $45,540/year |
| 200% FPL — single | $31,920/year |
| 200% FPL — family of 4 | $66,000/year |
| 400% FPL — single | $63,840/year (ACA cutoff) |
| 400% FPL — family of 4 | $132,000/year |
| Alaska base (1 person) | $19,950/year |
| Hawaii base (1 person) | $18,360/year |
| FBR — individual (2026) | $994/month (SSI / Medicaid) |
| Nursing Home Medicaid limit | $2,982/month (300% FBR) |
Calculate Your Poverty Level Income Now
Knowing your poverty level income percentage is the first step to accessing the benefits you may be entitled to — from Medicaid and SNAP to ACA subsidies and energy assistance.
Use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to:
- Enter your annual, monthly, biweekly, or weekly income
- Select your household size (1–8 people)
- Get your exact FPL percentage instantly
- See which programs your income may qualify for
- Compare 2021 through 2026 guidelines side by side
The calculator covers all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii’s separate thresholds, and requires no sign-up or personal information.
Related Pages
- Federal Poverty Level Calculator — Calculate your FPL percentage instantly
- What Is the Federal Poverty Level? — Full explanation of how FPL works and its history
- Frequently Asked Questions — Common FPL questions answered
- About This Calculator — How we source and verify our data
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, effective January 14, 2026. Published in the Federal Register. For the most current figures and program-specific eligibility rules, visit aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.