Federal Poverty Level Calculator 2026

Enter your household income and family size to instantly find your FPL percentage — and see which programs you may qualify for in your state.

All 50 States 2026 HHS Guidelines Free & Instant Medicaid · SNAP · ACA
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Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Calculator

Enter any one income field or an FPL percentage — the rest calculate automatically.

Your FPL Calculation Results

Household SizeAnnual IncomeMonthlyBiweeklyWeeklyFPL Threshold% of FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (Contiguous U.S.)

Size50% FPL100% FPL130% FPL138% FPL150% FPL200% FPL300% FPL400% FPL

What Are Federal Poverty Guidelines / Levels (FPL)?

The Federal Poverty Guidelines — commonly called Federal Poverty Levels or FPLs — are federally established income thresholds that indicate the minimum annual income an individual or family needs to cover basic essentials such as housing, utilities, clothing, food, and transportation. These guidelines are set based on household size and geographic location, and are published each year — generally in mid-to-late January — by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

FPLs are the same across 48 of the 50 states. Alaska and Hawaii are the two exceptions, carrying higher thresholds to reflect their significantly elevated costs of living. In 2026, the annual FPL for a single individual is $19,950 in Alaska, $18,360 in Hawaii, and $15,960 in the remaining 48 contiguous states.

It’s important not to confuse Federal Poverty Guidelines with the Federal Poverty Threshold. Both are federal measures of poverty, but they serve different purposes. The Federal Poverty Threshold is determined by the U.S. Census Bureau and is used to count the number of Americans living in poverty. HHS then uses that data to establish the Federal Poverty Guidelines — the figures that matter for program eligibility. For a full explanation, see What Is the Federal Poverty Level?

2026 FPL — 1 Person

$15,960/year ($1,330/mo) contiguous U.S.
Alaska: $19,950 • Hawaii: $18,360

2026 FPL — Family of 4

$33,000/year ($2,750/mo) contiguous U.S.
Alaska: $41,250 • Hawaii: $37,950

Per Additional Person

Each extra person adds $5,680/year to the FPL threshold in the contiguous U.S. (Alaska: $7,100 • Hawaii: $6,530)

Updated Annually

HHS revises FPL guidelines every January. Use the year dropdown in the calculator for guidelines back to 2021.

2026 Federal Poverty Level — 48 Contiguous States (Annual)

Household Size100% FPL133% FPL138% FPL150% FPL200% FPL300% FPL400% FPL
1$15,960$21,227$22,025$23,940$31,920$47,880$63,840
2$21,640$28,781$29,863$32,460$43,280$64,920$86,560
3$27,320$36,336$37,702$40,980$54,640$81,960$109,280
4$33,000$43,890$45,540$49,500$66,000$99,000$132,000
5$38,680$51,444$53,378$58,020$77,360$116,040$154,720
6$44,360$58,999$61,217$66,540$88,720$133,080$177,440
7$50,040$66,533$69,055$75,060$100,080$150,120$200,160
8$55,720$74,108$76,894$83,580$111,440$167,160$222,880
+1 person+$5,680+$7,554+$7,838+$8,520+$11,360+$17,040+$22,720

2026 Federal Poverty Level — Alaska (Annual)

Household Size100% FPL133% FPL138% FPL150% FPL200% FPL300% FPL400% FPL
1$19,950$26,534$27,531$29,925$39,900$59,850$79,800
2$27,050$35,977$37,329$40,575$54,100$81,150$108,200
3$34,150$45,420$47,127$51,225$68,300$102,450$136,600
4$41,250$54,863$56,925$61,875$82,500$123,750$165,000
5$48,350$64,306$66,723$72,525$96,700$145,050$193,400
6$55,450$73,749$76,521$83,175$110,900$166,350$221,800
7$62,550$83,192$86,319$93,825$125,100$187,650$250,200
8$69,650$92,635$96,117$104,475$139,300$208,950$278,600
+1 person+$7,100+$9,443+$9,798+$10,650+$14,200+$21,300+$28,400

2026 Federal Poverty Level — Hawaii (Annual)

Household Size100% FPL133% FPL138% FPL150% FPL200% FPL300% FPL400% FPL
1$18,360$24,419$25,337$27,540$36,720$55,080$73,440
2$24,890$33,104$34,348$37,335$49,780$74,670$99,560
3$31,420$41,789$43,360$47,130$62,840$94,260$125,680
4$37,950$50,474$52,371$56,925$75,900$113,850$151,800
5$44,480$59,158$61,382$66,720$88,960$133,440$177,920
6$51,010$67,843$70,394$76,515$102,020$153,030$204,040
7$57,540$76,528$79,405$86,310$115,080$172,620$230,160
8$64,070$85,213$88,417$96,105$128,140$192,210$256,280
+1 person+$6,530+$8,685+$9,011+$9,795+$13,060+$19,590+$26,120

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Effective January 14, 2026. For information purposes only — verify with the administering program for official eligibility determinations.

Programs That Use the Federal Poverty Level

Many state and federal programs — and even some local ones — use FPLs to determine income eligibility for program benefits. The exact percentage of the FPL used for eligibility purposes varies based on the program and the state. After calculating your FPL percentage above, use this table to understand what you may qualify for. For full state-specific rules, see our poverty level income guide.

ProgramFPL ThresholdWhat It CoversAgency
Medicaid (Regular / ABD)100% FPL in many statesHealthcare for low-income aged, blind, and disabled individualsState Medicaid agency / CMS
Medicaid (ACA Expansion)Up to 138% FPLHealthcare for adults 19–64 in expansion statesState Medicaid agency / CMS
Nursing Home Medicaid / HCBS Waivers300% FBR ($2,982/mo in 2026)Long-term care in nursing facilities or at homeState Medicaid agency
CHIPUp to 200–300% FPL (varies)Health coverage for children under age 19State agency / CMS
ACA Premium Tax Credits100%–400% FPLReduced Marketplace health insurance premiumsHealthcare.gov / state exchange
ACA Cost-Sharing ReductionsUp to 250% FPL (silver plans)Lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costsHealthcare.gov / state exchange
SNAP (Food Stamps)130% gross / 100% net FPLMonthly food assistance via EBT cardUSDA / state DHS
WICUp to 185% FPLFood and nutrition for women, infants, and children under 5USDA FNS
LIHEAPUp to 150% FPL (varies by state)Utility and energy bill assistanceHHS / state energy office
Weatherization AssistanceUp to 200% FPLHome energy efficiency improvements for low-income householdsU.S. Dept. of Energy / state agency
Medicare Extra HelpUp to 150% FPLReduced Medicare Part D prescription drug costsSocial Security Administration
Section 8 HousingUp to 50% of Area Median IncomeHousing choice vouchers and rental assistanceHUD / local Public Housing Authority
Lifeline (Phone/Internet)At or below 135% FPLDiscounted monthly phone or broadband serviceFCC / USAC

ACA Marketplace plans effective in 2026 use 2025 FPL numbers for premium tax credit eligibility. Program income thresholds and rules vary by state. Always verify with the administering program or your state agency before making eligibility decisions.

How to Use the FPL Calculator

Our federal poverty guideline calculator gives you instant, accurate results in seconds:

  • 1Select a year — choose 2026 for current guidelines, or go back to 2021–2025 for prior-year calculations.
  • 2Enter household size — count all people who live together and share income and expenses, including yourself.
  • 3Check your state — if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, check the box and select your state. All other states use the contiguous U.S. figures.
  • 4Enter your income — annual, monthly, biweekly, or weekly. The calculator converts automatically. Or enter a target FPL percentage to find the income it corresponds to.
  • 5Click Calculate — your FPL percentage and full income breakdown appear instantly, along with a reference table showing 8 key thresholds for every household size.

For more guidance, read What Is the Federal Poverty Level? or browse our FAQ page.

What Are Federal Benefit Rates (FBR)?

The Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) is the maximum monthly cash benefit that an aged, blind, or disabled person who qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can receive. You may also hear it referred to as the “Federal SSI Payment,” “SSI Federal Benefit Amount,” or “SSI Standard Payment Amount.” The SSI program serves the elderly, blind, and disabled who have limited financial means.

In 2026, the maximum FBR is $994/month for a single individual and $1,491/month for a married couple. These figures are updated and released by the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the end of each year, becoming effective the following January.

Importance of FPLs and FBRs to Medicaid Eligibility

All Medicaid programs have income limits for eligibility purposes. These limits vary based on the state, the program being applied for, and the applicant’s marital status. That said, more than half of all states use 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — or a percentage of it — to determine income eligibility for Regular Medicaid (serving aged, blind, and disabled individuals).

As of 2026, the annual FPL for an individual is $15,960 ($1,330/month), and for a married couple is $21,640 ($1,803.33/month). Some states also use the FPL, or a percentage of it, to set income limits for Nursing Home Medicaid or HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Medicaid Waivers.

Alternatively, some states use the Federal Benefit Rate to determine Medicaid income eligibility. In many states, eligibility for Medicaid is automatic if one qualifies for SSI. For Nursing Home Medicaid and HCBS Medicaid Waivers, many states set the monthly income limit at 300% of the FBR. In 2026, that figure is $2,982/month ($994 × 3) for a single applicant. In states where both spouses of a married couple apply for Nursing Home Medicaid or an HCBS Waiver, each spouse is typically evaluated as a single applicant for income eligibility purposes.

2026 FBR — Individual

Maximum SSI payment: $994/month. Many states use this as a Medicaid income limit for aged, blind, and disabled applicants.

2026 FBR — Married Couple

Maximum SSI payment for a couple: $1,491/month. Set annually by the Social Security Administration.

Nursing Home / HCBS Limit

Many states use 300% of the FBR as the income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid. In 2026, that equals $2,982/month.

SSI-Linked Medicaid

In many states, qualifying for SSI automatically qualifies you for Medicaid — no separate Medicaid application needed.

For state-specific Medicaid income limits and eligibility criteria, see our full FPL and Medicaid eligibility guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
In 2026, the federal poverty level for a single person in the contiguous U.S. is $15,960 per year ($1,330/month). For a family of four, it is $33,000/year. Each additional household member adds $2,840. Alaska: $19,950. Hawaii: $18,360. These figures are set by HHS and took effect January 13, 2026.
What income is considered poverty level in 2026?
The 100% FPL — the official poverty line — is: $15,960 for 1 person, $21,640 for 2 people, $27,320 for 3 people, and $33,000 for a family of 4 in the contiguous U.S. Income at or below these levels is considered at or below the poverty line. See our poverty level income guide for the full table.
What is 138% of the federal poverty level for 2026?
138% of the 2026 FPL for one person in the contiguous U.S. is approximately $22,025/year ($1,835/month). For a family of four, it is approximately $45,540/year. This is the Medicaid expansion income cutoff — adults in ACA expansion states with income below this threshold may qualify for Medicaid. Use the FPL % field in the calculator to find the exact income for any household size.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level for 2026?
In 2026, 200% FPL is $31,920/year ($2,660/month) for a single person, and $66,000/year for a family of four in the contiguous U.S. At 200% FPL, households may qualify for CHIP in many states, stronger ACA cost-sharing reductions on silver plans, and SNAP in states using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).
What is 400% of the federal poverty level for 2026?
400% FPL in 2026 is $63,840/year for one person, $86,560 for two people, $109,280 for three people, and $132,000 for a family of four in the contiguous U.S. This has traditionally been the upper income limit for ACA Marketplace premium tax credit eligibility.
Is $30,000 a year considered poverty level in 2026?
It depends entirely on your household size. For a single person, $30,000/year is approximately 188% FPL — above the poverty line. For a family of three (FPL = $27,320), $30,000 is about 110% FPL — close to the threshold. For a family of four (FPL = $33,000), $30,000 is below the poverty line at approximately 91% FPL. Enter your exact income and household size in the calculator above for a precise result.
How do I calculate my FPL percentage?
Use this formula: Annual household income ÷ FPL for your household size × 100 = FPL %. Example: a family of 3 earning $40,000 divides by $27,320 (the 2026 three-person FPL) and multiplies by 100 = 146% FPL. Or use the free calculator above — enter any income field and your FPL percentage calculates instantly.
Does the federal poverty level differ by state?
The HHS federal poverty guideline is identical for all 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. Only Alaska ($19,950) and Hawaii ($18,360) have higher one-person thresholds in 2026, reflecting their elevated cost of living. That said, each state independently sets eligibility cutoffs for programs like Medicaid and SNAP — so the same FPL percentage may qualify for different benefits depending on where you live.
Can I qualify for Medicaid if I am working?
Yes. Working does not disqualify you. In states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults with household income up to 138% FPL — regardless of employment — may qualify. A single person earning up to approximately $22,025/year in 2026 could be eligible. Income includes wages, self-employment, and gig work counted as gross before taxes. Contact your state Medicaid office or visit healthcare.gov to verify your eligibility.
What is the difference between the poverty guideline and poverty threshold?
The poverty threshold is published by the U.S. Census Bureau and used to count how many Americans live in poverty for statistical reports. The federal poverty guideline (FPL) is the simplified, program-facing version published by HHS — used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, ACA subsidies, and other assistance. This calculator uses the HHS guidelines, which is the relevant standard for benefits applications.
Why does Alaska have a higher federal poverty level?
HHS sets higher FPL thresholds for Alaska and Hawaii to reflect their significantly elevated cost of living — driven by remote geography, higher transportation costs, and more expensive housing, food, and goods. In 2026, Alaska’s FPL for one person is $19,950 (roughly 25% above the $15,960 contiguous U.S. figure) and Hawaii’s is $18,360 (about 15% higher). The calculator applies these automatically when you check the Alaska or Hawaii box.
Which income is used to calculate FPL — gross or net?
For most programs, gross household income (before taxes and deductions) is compared to the FPL. This includes wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and other regular income. However, each program may count or exclude specific income types differently. For example, SNAP uses both a gross income test (130% FPL) and a net income test (100% FPL) after certain deductions. Always verify with the specific program you are applying to.
Can I use this calculator for prior years?
Yes. Use the year dropdown to select 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 guidelines. This is useful for reviewing prior-year eligibility determinations, completing backdated applications, or comparing how the FPL has changed over time. The 2026 guidelines are selected by default as the current active year.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services For informational purposes — verify with your state agency