The federal poverty level (FPL) — also called the federal poverty guideline or poverty line — is the minimum income the U.S. government uses to determine financial eligibility for programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), ACA health insurance subsidies, CHIP, LIHEAP, Head Start, and housing assistance. It is updated every January by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
In 2026, the FPL 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). The 2026 guidelines reflect a 2.63% increase from 2025, based on changes in the CPI-U between 2024 and 2025.
Use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to find your exact FPL percentage instantly — no sign-up required.
What Is the Federal Poverty Level?
The federal poverty level is a standardized income threshold published annually by HHS to measure poverty and guide program eligibility decisions. It is not the same as the poverty threshold published by the U.S. Census Bureau — that figure is used purely for statistical research and counting the number of Americans living in poverty. The FPL is a simplified, rounded, administratively practical version designed for program eligibility.
Key facts about the 2026 FPL:
- Based on: 2024 Census Bureau poverty thresholds, adjusted by a 2.63% CPI-U increase reflecting 2024–2025 price changes
- Effective date: January 14, 2026 (published in the Federal Register January 15, 2026)
- Geographic coverage: Three separate sets — 48 contiguous states & D.C., Alaska, Hawaii
- Used for: SNAP (130% FPL), Medicaid expansion (138%), CHIP (200–300%), ACA subsidies (100–400%), Head Start (100%), LIHEAP (150%), WIC (185%), and dozens more
- Updated: Annually in mid-January; no retroactive changes apply
The FPL ensures that eligibility for aid programs stays aligned with current economic conditions. A family of four at 138% FPL in 2026 — earning $45,540/year — qualifies for Medicaid in states that expanded coverage under the ACA. In non-expansion states, income thresholds for adults are often much lower. Always verify your specific state’s rules, as eligibility varies.
For a breakdown of how poverty level income works program by program, see What Is Poverty Level Income?
2026 FPL Table — 48 Contiguous States & D.C.
These are the official 2026 federal poverty guidelines for the contiguous United States, effective January 14, 2026.
| Household Size | Annual FPL | Monthly FPL | Weekly FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 | $307 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,803 | $416 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 | $525 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 | $635 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,223 | $744 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 | $853 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 | $963 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,643 | $1,072 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$473 | +$109 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / ASPE. Effective January 14, 2026.
2026 FPL Table — Alaska
Alaska’s FPL is approximately 25% higher than the contiguous U.S. to reflect its elevated cost of living driven by remote geography, higher transportation costs, and more expensive housing and goods.
| 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 |
| Each additional person | +$7,100 | +$592 |
2026 FPL Table — Hawaii
Hawaii’s FPL is approximately 15% higher than the contiguous U.S., reflecting its elevated prices for housing, food, and other essentials.
| 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 |
| Each additional person | +$6,530 | +$544 |
FPL Percentage Breakdown — What Each Level Means (2026)
Programs don’t use just the 100% poverty line — they set eligibility at specific percentages. Here is a complete breakdown of what each major FPL percentage means, which programs use it, and the corresponding income for a single person and a family of four in the 48 contiguous states.
| % of FPL | Primary Programs | 1 Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | Section 8 / Housing choice vouchers (very low income) | $7,980 | $16,500 |
| 100% | Base poverty line; Head Start; SNAP net income limit | $15,960 | $33,000 |
| 130% | SNAP gross income limit | $20,748 | $42,900 |
| 133% | Medicaid — children & pregnant women (many states) | $21,227 | $43,890 |
| 135% | Lifeline phone/internet discount | $21,546 | $44,550 |
| 138% | Medicaid expansion (ACA, 40+ states) | $22,025 | $45,540 |
| 150% | LIHEAP energy assistance; Medicare Extra Help | $23,940 | $49,500 |
| 185% | WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) | $29,526 | $61,050 |
| 200% | CHIP; SNAP broad-based categorical eligibility | $31,920 | $66,000 |
| 250% | ACA cost-sharing reductions (silver plans) | $39,900 | $82,500 |
| 300% | Nursing Home Medicaid / HCBS waivers; some CHIP programs | $47,880 | $99,000 |
| 400% | ACA Marketplace premium tax credit upper limit | $63,840 | $132,000 |
Use the FPL Calculator to find your percentage and see the exact dollar amount for your household size.
How to Calculate the Federal Poverty Level
Calculating your FPL percentage is straightforward. Use this formula:
Annual household income ÷ FPL for your household size × 100 = Your FPL %
Step-by-Step Manual Calculation
- Find your base FPL — Use the table above for your household size and state.
- Choose the target percentage — This depends on the program you are checking (e.g., 130% for SNAP, 138% for Medicaid).
- Multiply: Annual FPL × (percentage ÷ 100) = Income limit at that percentage.
- Prorate if needed: Divide the annual figure by 12 for a monthly income limit.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — Single person checking Medicaid eligibility: Annual income: $20,000. FPL for 1 person: $15,960. $20,000 ÷ $15,960 × 100 = 125.3% FPL → Below 138% FPL — qualifies for Medicaid in ACA expansion states.
Example 2 — Family of 4 checking ACA subsidies: Annual income: $55,000. FPL for 4 people: $33,000. $55,000 ÷ $33,000 × 100 = 166.7% FPL → Between 138–400% FPL — qualifies for ACA premium tax credits and possibly cost-sharing reductions.
Example 3 — Family of 3 checking SNAP: Annual income: $32,000. FPL for 3 people: $27,320. $32,000 ÷ $27,320 × 100 = 117.1% FPL → Below 130% FPL — qualifies for SNAP gross income test. Net income test also applies.
Tip: Programs round figures differently. SNAP uses gross income; Medicaid uses MAGI. Always verify eligibility with your state agency or use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator for instant results.
What Is 100% of the Federal Poverty Level?
100% FPL is the base poverty line — the income level HHS defines as the threshold for poverty. It is used for statistics, some Head Start enrollment criteria, and as the floor for most other program eligibility calculations.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $15,960/year ($1,330/month, $307/week)
- Household of 2: $21,640/year ($1,803/month)
- Household of 4: $33,000/year ($2,750/month)
At exactly 100% FPL, a household is officially at the poverty line. Most programs require income below a higher percentage — for example, SNAP requires gross income at or below 130% FPL — so being at 100% FPL typically qualifies a household for most major assistance programs.
What Is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level?
138% FPL is the Medicaid expansion threshold under the Affordable Care Act. In the 40+ states (plus D.C.) that expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with household income at or below 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid coverage regardless of other factors.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $22,025/year ($1,835/month)
- Household of 2: $29,863/year ($2,489/month)
- Household of 3: $37,702/year ($3,142/month)
- Household of 4: $45,540/year ($3,795/month)
This is one of the most important FPL thresholds to know. In non-expansion states, income limits for adult Medicaid are often much lower — sometimes as low as 15–50% FPL for parents and essentially unavailable for childless adults. Check your state’s specific Medicaid income limits to confirm.
What Is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level?
200% FPL is commonly used by CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), SNAP expansion states, and as a general marker for “low income” in policy discussions.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $31,920/year ($2,660/month)
- Household of 2: $43,280/year ($3,607/month)
- Household of 4: $66,000/year ($5,500/month)
At 200% FPL, children in most states qualify for CHIP. In the 39 states using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), SNAP gross income limits are raised to 200% FPL, making more working families eligible for food assistance.
What Is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level?
250% FPL is the income limit for ACA cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on silver-tier Marketplace plans. Households at or below 250% FPL who enroll in a silver plan receive reduced deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums on top of their premium tax credit.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $39,900/year ($3,325/month)
- Household of 4: $82,500/year ($6,875/month)
Cost-sharing reductions are most generous for households between 100–200% FPL, with reduced but still meaningful assistance up to 250% FPL. These reductions are only available on silver plans through the ACA Marketplace.
What Is 300% of the Federal Poverty Level?
300% FPL is used by some state CHIP programs for children’s coverage and, more critically, by many states as the income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid and HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Medicaid Waivers — often expressed as 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) rather than the FPL directly.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $47,880/year ($3,990/month)
- Household of 4: $99,000/year ($8,250/month)
For Nursing Home Medicaid, the 300% FBR limit in 2026 is $2,982/month ($994 × 3). This applies to single applicants. Married couples where both spouses are applying are each evaluated as single applicants for income purposes.
What Is 400% of the Federal Poverty Level?
400% FPL is the traditional upper income limit for ACA Marketplace premium tax credits. Households above this level generally pay full premiums without federal assistance.
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $63,840/year ($5,320/month)
- Household of 2: $86,560/year ($7,213/month)
- Household of 3: $109,280/year ($9,107/month)
- Household of 4: $132,000/year ($11,000/month)
Note: For 2026 Marketplace plan eligibility, the ACA uses 2025 FPL figures, not 2026. The Marketplace applies prior-year guidelines when calculating premium tax credit eligibility for coverage year 2026.
What Is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level?
150% FPL is the income limit for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in most states and for Medicare Part D Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy for prescription drug costs).
2026 figures (48 contiguous states):
- Household of 1: $23,940/year ($1,995/month)
- Household of 4: $49,500/year ($4,125/month)
LIHEAP helps households pay heating and cooling bills and may cover emergency energy needs. State-specific rules apply — some states set their LIHEAP limit higher than 150% FPL.
FPL and Medicaid Eligibility: A Closer Look
Medicaid is by far the largest user of FPL-based eligibility, covering over 80 million Americans. However, how the FPL applies to Medicaid depends on both the type of Medicaid and the state:
ACA Medicaid Expansion (Adults 19–64)
Income limit: 138% FPL in expansion states. In 2026: $22,025/year for one person. Available in 40+ states and D.C. In non-expansion states, low-income adults without children or disabilities often fall into a “coverage gap” — earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for ACA subsidies.
Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, Disabled)
Most states use 100% FPL or a percentage of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) as the income limit for elderly, blind, and disabled individuals applying for Regular Medicaid. In 2026: The FPL for one person is $15,960/year ($1,330/month). The FBR is $994/month.
Nursing Home Medicaid & HCBS Waivers
Many states use 300% of the FBR as the income limit: $2,982/month in 2026. Some states instead use 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, which produces the same figure.
SSI-Linked Medicaid
In many states, qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualifies a person for Medicaid — no separate Medicaid application is required. The SSI income limit itself is based on the FBR.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance)
Children whose family income is too high for Medicaid but below 200–300% FPL (varies by state) typically qualify for CHIP.
For state-specific Medicaid income limits and eligibility criteria, see our Federal Poverty Level Calculator or the FAQ page.
Federal Poverty Level vs. Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
These two figures are related but distinct, and both matter for Medicaid eligibility:
| Federal Poverty Level (FPL) | Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | HHS (Dept. of Health & Human Services) | SSA (Social Security Administration) |
| Updated | January each year | January each year |
| 2026 amount (individual) | $15,960/year ($1,330/mo) | $994/month |
| 2026 amount (couple) | $21,640/year ($1,803/mo) | $1,491/month |
| Primary use | Program eligibility across all income assistance programs | SSI cash benefit; Medicaid income limits for aged/disabled |
| Key threshold | 138% FPL = Medicaid expansion | 300% FBR = Nursing Home Medicaid ($2,982/mo) |
FPL vs. Poverty Threshold: Key Difference
It is common to see these two terms used interchangeably, but they are officially distinct:
Federal Poverty Guideline (FPL):
- Published by: HHS / ASPE
- Purpose: Program eligibility (Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, ACA, LIHEAP, etc.)
- Format: Uniform income amounts by household size; three regional sets (contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii)
- Updated: January each year
Federal Poverty Threshold:
- Published by: U.S. Census Bureau
- Purpose: Statistical measurement — counting Americans living in poverty
- Format: Varies by household size, age of householder, and presence of children
- Updated: September each year
The poverty guideline is derived from the Census Bureau’s poverty threshold, adjusted for inflation using the CPI-U and then rounded and standardized for administrative use. For any benefits application, the HHS poverty guideline is the correct figure to use.
How the Federal Poverty Level Is Calculated Each Year
The HHS updates the FPL each January using a straightforward inflation-adjustment process:
- Start with Census Bureau poverty thresholds from the most recently available year.
- Apply the CPI-U percentage change — the average annual change in consumer prices — to adjust for inflation.
- Round and standardize the resulting figures to produce clean, uniform increments by household size.
- Publish in the Federal Register — typically in mid-January — with an effective date shortly after publication.
For 2026, the CPI-U increase was 2.63%, reflecting price changes between 2024 and 2025. Because of a government shutdown in October 2025 that prevented publication of that month’s CPI-U data, HHS calculated the 2026 adjustment using 11 months of 2025 data rather than all 12.
The result: each household size threshold increased by a consistent per-person increment. For the contiguous U.S., each additional person adds $5,680/year to the poverty line.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Poverty Level
What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
The federal poverty level for a single person in the 48 contiguous states is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month) in 2026. For a family of four, it is $33,000/year ($2,750/month). Alaska: $19,950 for one person. Hawaii: $18,360. These figures took effect January 14, 2026.
How is the federal poverty level calculated?
HHS takes the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent poverty thresholds and adjusts them upward by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) from the prior year. The resulting figures are rounded and standardized for administrative use, then published in the Federal Register each January.
What is the difference between federal poverty level and poverty threshold?
The federal poverty level (FPL) is published by HHS and used to determine eligibility for government assistance programs. The poverty threshold is published by the Census Bureau and used only for statistical research — counting Americans in poverty. Only the FPL/guideline is used for program applications.
What is 138% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
138% FPL for one person in the contiguous U.S. is approximately $22,025/year ($1,835/month). For a family of four, it is $45,540/year ($3,795/month). This is the Medicaid expansion income limit under the ACA in states that expanded coverage.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
200% FPL for one person is $31,920/year ($2,660/month). For a family of four, it is $66,000/year ($5,500/month). This threshold is commonly used for CHIP children’s health coverage and SNAP eligibility in broad-based categorical eligibility states.
What is 400% of the federal poverty level in 2026?
400% FPL for one person is $63,840/year ($5,320/month). For a family of four, it is $132,000/year ($11,000/month). This is the traditional upper income limit for ACA Marketplace premium tax credits.
Does the federal poverty level differ by state?
The FPL is identical for all 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. Only Alaska (approximately 25% higher) and Hawaii (approximately 15% higher) have separate guidelines. However, individual states set their own eligibility cutoffs for programs like Medicaid and SNAP, so the same FPL percentage can unlock different benefits depending on where you live.
Is the federal poverty level based on gross or net income?
For most programs, gross income (before taxes) is used when comparing to the FPL. However:
- SNAP applies both a gross income test (130% FPL) and a net income test (100% FPL after deductions).
- ACA subsidies use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is close to gross income with specific adjustments.
- Medicaid for elderly and disabled individuals may use net income after certain deductions in some states.
How do I calculate my FPL percentage?
Divide your annual household gross income by the FPL for your household size, then multiply by 100. Example: $30,000 ÷ $27,320 (3-person FPL) × 100 = 109.8% FPL. Or use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator for an instant result with all income breakdowns.
What programs use the federal poverty level?
Programs that use the FPL to set eligibility include: Medicaid, CHIP, ACA Marketplace subsidies and cost-sharing reductions, SNAP (food stamps), WIC, LIHEAP, Head Start, the National School Lunch Program, Lifeline (phone/internet), Medicare Extra Help, and Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons. Many state and local programs also reference the FPL.
When does the FPL update each year?
HHS publishes updated poverty guidelines in the Federal Register each January, typically between January 10–20. The new guidelines take effect a few days after publication. The 2026 guidelines took effect January 14, 2026. There are no retroactive changes — if a guideline changes mid-benefit year, the program continues using the guideline in effect at the time of enrollment or redetermination.
What is the poverty level for a family of 3 in 2026?
The poverty level for a family of three in the 48 contiguous states is $27,320/year ($2,277/month) in 2026. At this income level, the family may qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance programs, subject to state-specific rules.
Quick Reference: 2026 FPL at Key Percentages
| % of FPL | 1 Person | Family of 3 | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $15,960 | $27,320 | $33,000 |
| 130% | $20,748 | $35,516 | $42,900 |
| 138% | $22,025 | $37,702 | $45,540 |
| 150% | $23,940 | $40,980 | $49,500 |
| 200% | $31,920 | $54,640 | $66,000 |
| 250% | $39,900 | $68,300 | $82,500 |
| 300% | $47,880 | $81,960 | $99,000 |
| 400% | $63,840 | $109,280 | $132,000 |
Annual income figures for 48 contiguous states. Source: HHS, effective January 14, 2026.
Calculate Your Federal Poverty Level Now
Knowing your FPL percentage is the starting point for understanding which programs you qualify for — from SNAP at 130% to ACA subsidies at up to 400%.
Use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to:
- Enter your income in annual, monthly, biweekly, or weekly format
- Select your household size (1–8 people)
- Apply Alaska or Hawaii’s separate thresholds if applicable
- Get your FPL percentage instantly
- View a reference table of all key thresholds side by side
- Check prior-year guidelines from 2021 through 2025
No sign-up. No personal information required.
Related Pages
- Federal Poverty Level Calculator — Calculate your FPL percentage instantly
- What Is Poverty Level Income? — Detailed income breakdowns by household size and program
- 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 HHS Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register, effective January 14, 2026. For the official figures and program-specific rules, visit aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.