Home › Benefits › Federal poverty level 2026
Direct answer: The 2026 federal poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C., plus $5,680 per extra person. Alaska ($19,950) and Hawaii ($18,360) are higher. Programs use multiples: 138% is $22,024.80 for one person.
By the numbers: The 2026 poverty guidelines reflect a 2.63% price increase between calendar years 2024 and 2025 and took effect Jan. 13, 2026. Source: Federal Register 91 FR 1797 (Jan. 15, 2026)
“The poverty guidelines are sometimes loosely referred to as the “federal poverty level” (FPL), but that phrase is ambiguous and should be avoided, especially in situations (e.g., legislative or administrative) where precision is important.” — HHS ASPE: Poverty Guidelines
Updated 2026-10-17
The 2026 HHS poverty guidelines are $15,960 for 1 person, $21,640 for 2, $27,320 for 3, $33,000 for 4, $38,680 for 5, $44,360 for 6, $50,040 for 7 and $55,720 for 8 in the 48 states and D.C., plus $5,680 for each extra person. Alaska starts at $19,950 (+$7,100) and Hawaii at $18,360 (+$6,530).
$22,024.80 a year for one person, $29,863.20 for two, $37,701.60 for three and $45,540 for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. (HHS chart). 138% is the adult Medicaid income limit in states that expanded Medicaid, though a few states use a different limit.
$66,000 a year ($5,500 a month) in the 48 states and D.C. For one person it is $31,920. In Alaska a family of four's 200% figure is $82,500 and in Hawaii $75,900.
Using the 2026 guidelines (which set Marketplace savings for 2027 coverage): $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. For 2026 coverage, which uses the 2025 guidelines: $62,600 and $128,600. The IRS says the 100% to 400% range applies again after the 2021-2025 expansion ended.
The ones published before open enrollment starts. The IRS says premium tax credit eligibility for a year is based on the most recently published guidelines on the first day of open enrollment, so 2027 coverage uses the 2026 guidelines and 2026 coverage uses the 2025 guidelines. HealthCare.gov says 2026 figures are used for Medicaid and CHIP.
It depends on the program. HHS doesn't define income or household; each program does. Health coverage uses MAGI, SNAP has both a gross (130%) and a net (100%) test, and school meals count gross cash income from all sources before deductions.
HHS hasn't published them yet. ASPE says the guidelines have been published in late January since 2006 (except 2010); the 2026 guidelines were published Jan. 15, 2026. They are updated each year for inflation using the CPI-U.
As of Oct. 17, 2026 · 2026 HHS poverty guidelines
2026 poverty guideline: $15,960 for one person, $33,000 for a family of four (48 states and D.C.), plus $5,680 per extra person. Programs use multiples of it: 138% for Medicaid in expansion states, 100%-400% for ACA tax credits, 130% for SNAP and free school meals, 185% for WIC.
The math:
Sources: 91 FR 1797 · HHS ASPE · HealthCare.gov FPL
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Use household income before taxes. For health coverage, programs use modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which for most people is close to AGI on your tax return.
| Household size | 48 states + D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii | 48 states, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 | $18,360 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 | $24,890 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 | $31,420 | $26,650 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 | $37,950 | $32,150 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 | $44,480 | $37,650 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 | $51,010 | $43,150 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 | $57,540 | $48,650 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 | $64,070 | $54,150 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$7,100 | +$6,530 | +$5,500 |
Sources: 91 FR 1797 · HHS ASPE · HealthCare.gov FPL. Monthly = annual / 12 (one person: $1,330 a month). Guidelines aren't defined for Puerto Rico or the territories; the program's federal office decides what to use there.
Annual income at common program cutoffs. Each program decides how to round (USDA rounds school-meal and WIC limits up to the next dollar).
| Household size | 100% | 125% | 130% | 133% | 135% | 138% | 150% | 185% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 | $20,748 | $21,226.80 | $21,546 | $22,024.80 | $23,940 | $29,526 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 | $28,132 | $28,781.20 | $29,214 | $29,863.20 | $32,460 | $40,034 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 | $35,516 | $36,335.60 | $36,882 | $37,701.60 | $40,980 | $50,542 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 | $42,900 | $43,890 | $44,550 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $61,050 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 | $50,284 | $51,444.40 | $52,218 | $53,378.40 | $58,020 | $71,558 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 | $57,668 | $58,998.80 | $59,886 | $61,216.80 | $66,540 | $82,066 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 | $65,052 | $66,553.20 | $67,554 | $69,055.20 | $75,060 | $92,574 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $150,120 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 | $72,436 | $74,107.60 | $75,222 | $76,893.60 | $83,580 | $103,082 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $167,160 | $222,880 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$7,100 | +$7,384 | +$7,554.40 | +$7,668 | +$7,838.40 | +$8,520 | +$10,508 | +$11,360 | +$14,200 | +$17,040 | +$22,720 |
| Household size | 100% | 125% | 130% | 133% | 135% | 138% | 150% | 185% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,330 | $1,662.50 | $1,729 | $1,768.90 | $1,795.50 | $1,835.40 | $1,995 | $2,460.50 | $2,660 | $3,325 | $3,990 | $5,320 |
| 2 | $1,803.33 | $2,254.17 | $2,344.33 | $2,398.43 | $2,434.50 | $2,488.60 | $2,705 | $3,336.17 | $3,606.67 | $4,508.33 | $5,410 | $7,213.33 |
| 3 | $2,276.67 | $2,845.83 | $2,959.67 | $3,027.97 | $3,073.50 | $3,141.80 | $3,415 | $4,211.83 | $4,553.33 | $5,691.67 | $6,830 | $9,106.67 |
| 4 | $2,750 | $3,437.50 | $3,575 | $3,657.50 | $3,712.50 | $3,795 | $4,125 | $5,087.50 | $5,500 | $6,875 | $8,250 | $11,000 |
| 5 | $3,223.33 | $4,029.17 | $4,190.33 | $4,287.03 | $4,351.50 | $4,448.20 | $4,835 | $5,963.17 | $6,446.67 | $8,058.33 | $9,670 | $12,893.33 |
| 6 | $3,696.67 | $4,620.83 | $4,805.67 | $4,916.57 | $4,990.50 | $5,101.40 | $5,545 | $6,838.83 | $7,393.33 | $9,241.67 | $11,090 | $14,786.67 |
| 7 | $4,170 | $5,212.50 | $5,421 | $5,546.10 | $5,629.50 | $5,754.60 | $6,255 | $7,714.50 | $8,340 | $10,425 | $12,510 | $16,680 |
| 8 | $4,643.33 | $5,804.17 | $6,036.33 | $6,175.63 | $6,268.50 | $6,407.80 | $6,965 | $8,590.17 | $9,286.67 | $11,608.33 | $13,930 | $18,573.33 |
| Each additional person | +$473.33 | +$591.67 | +$615.33 | +$629.53 | +$639 | +$653.20 | +$710 | +$875.67 | +$946.67 | +$1,183.33 | +$1,420 | +$1,893.33 |
| Household size | 100% | 125% | 130% | 133% | 135% | 138% | 150% | 185% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,950 | $24,937.50 | $25,935 | $26,533.50 | $26,932.50 | $27,531 | $29,925 | $36,907.50 | $39,900 | $49,875 | $59,850 | $79,800 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $33,812.50 | $35,165 | $35,976.50 | $36,517.50 | $37,329 | $40,575 | $50,042.50 | $54,100 | $67,625 | $81,150 | $108,200 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $42,687.50 | $44,395 | $45,419.50 | $46,102.50 | $47,127 | $51,225 | $63,177.50 | $68,300 | $85,375 | $102,450 | $136,600 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $51,562.50 | $53,625 | $54,862.50 | $55,687.50 | $56,925 | $61,875 | $76,312.50 | $82,500 | $103,125 | $123,750 | $165,000 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $60,437.50 | $62,855 | $64,305.50 | $65,272.50 | $66,723 | $72,525 | $89,447.50 | $96,700 | $120,875 | $145,050 | $193,400 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $69,312.50 | $72,085 | $73,748.50 | $74,857.50 | $76,521 | $83,175 | $102,582.50 | $110,900 | $138,625 | $166,350 | $221,800 |
| 7 | $62,550 | $78,187.50 | $81,315 | $83,191.50 | $84,442.50 | $86,319 | $93,825 | $115,717.50 | $125,100 | $156,375 | $187,650 | $250,200 |
| 8 | $69,650 | $87,062.50 | $90,545 | $92,634.50 | $94,027.50 | $96,117 | $104,475 | $128,852.50 | $139,300 | $174,125 | $208,950 | $278,600 |
| Each additional person | +$7,100 | +$8,875 | +$9,230 | +$9,443 | +$9,585 | +$9,798 | +$10,650 | +$13,135 | +$14,200 | +$17,750 | +$21,300 | +$28,400 |
| Household size | 100% | 125% | 130% | 133% | 135% | 138% | 150% | 185% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,360 | $22,950 | $23,868 | $24,418.80 | $24,786 | $25,336.80 | $27,540 | $33,966 | $36,720 | $45,900 | $55,080 | $73,440 |
| 2 | $24,890 | $31,112.50 | $32,357 | $33,103.70 | $33,601.50 | $34,348.20 | $37,335 | $46,046.50 | $49,780 | $62,225 | $74,670 | $99,560 |
| 3 | $31,420 | $39,275 | $40,846 | $41,788.60 | $42,417 | $43,359.60 | $47,130 | $58,127 | $62,840 | $78,550 | $94,260 | $125,680 |
| 4 | $37,950 | $47,437.50 | $49,335 | $50,473.50 | $51,232.50 | $52,371 | $56,925 | $70,207.50 | $75,900 | $94,875 | $113,850 | $151,800 |
| 5 | $44,480 | $55,600 | $57,824 | $59,158.40 | $60,048 | $61,382.40 | $66,720 | $82,288 | $88,960 | $111,200 | $133,440 | $177,920 |
| 6 | $51,010 | $63,762.50 | $66,313 | $67,843.30 | $68,863.50 | $70,393.80 | $76,515 | $94,368.50 | $102,020 | $127,525 | $153,030 | $204,040 |
| 7 | $57,540 | $71,925 | $74,802 | $76,528.20 | $77,679 | $79,405.20 | $86,310 | $106,449 | $115,080 | $143,850 | $172,620 | $230,160 |
| 8 | $64,070 | $80,087.50 | $83,291 | $85,213.10 | $86,494.50 | $88,416.60 | $96,105 | $118,529.50 | $128,140 | $160,175 | $192,210 | $256,280 |
| Each additional person | +$6,530 | +$8,162.50 | +$8,489 | +$8,684.90 | +$8,815.50 | +$9,011.40 | +$9,795 | +$12,080.50 | +$13,060 | +$16,325 | +$19,590 | +$26,120 |
Source: ASPE 2026 chart; every value on this page matches HHS's chart to the cent.
| Program | Income limit | Which figures | 1 person | Family of 4 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Start | Below 100% | 2026 guidelines | $15,960 | $33,000 | HeadStart.gov |
| Medicaid for adults (expansion states) | Up to 138% (a few states differ) | 2026 guidelines | $22,024.80 | $45,540 | HealthCare.gov FPL · HealthCare.gov Medicaid expansion |
| ACA premium tax credit, 2027 coverage | 100% to 400% | 2026 guidelines | $15,960 to $63,840 | $33,000 to $132,000 | IRS PTC Q7 · HealthCare.gov FPL · our calculator |
| ACA premium tax credit, 2026 coverage | 100% to 400% | 2025 guidelines | $15,650 to $62,600 | $32,150 to $128,600 | IRS PTC Q7 |
| SNAP (gross income test) | 130%, monthly | Oct. 1, 2026 - Sept. 30, 2027 | $1,729/mo | $3,575/mo | USDA SNAP FY2027 · SNAP limits |
| Free school meals | 130%, rounded up | July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 | $20,748 | $42,900 | USDA school meals 2026-27 |
| Reduced-price meals and WIC | 185%, rounded up | July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 | $29,526 | $61,050 | USDA school meals 2026-27 · USDA WIC 2026-27 |
| LIHEAP (energy help) | State sets it: at most the greater of 150% or 60% of state median income; can't exclude under 110% | State's choice | $23,940 (150%) | $49,500 (150%) | 42 U.S.C. 8624 |
| Medicare Extra Help (drug costs) | Income limit set by Medicare (equals 150% for 1-2 people) | 2026 | $23,940 | Couple: $32,460 | Medicare.gov Extra Help |
48 states + D.C. figures. Programs also have non-income rules (age, pregnancy, citizenship, assets, work rules). WIC applicants also need a nutrition-risk check, and people on Medicaid, SNAP or TANF may already be income-eligible for WIC.
| Program | Helps pay | Individual | Married couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | Part A and B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance | $1,350 | $1,824 |
| SLMB | Part B premiums | $1,616 | $2,184 |
| QI | Part B premiums (apply every year) | $1,816 | $2,455 |
Resource limits: $9,950 individual, $14,910 couple. Income limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii, and some states allow more. Extra Help resources: $18,090 / $36,100. Sources: Medicare.gov MSPs · Medicare.gov Extra Help.
| Year | 1 person | 4 people | Each additional | Federal Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $15,960 | $33,000 | +$5,680 | 91 FR 1797 (Jan. 15, 2026) |
| 2025 | $15,650 | $32,150 | +$5,500 | 90 FR 5917 (Jan. 17, 2025) |
| 2024 | $15,060 | $31,200 | +$5,380 | 89 FR 2961 (Jan. 17, 2024) |
| 2023 | $14,580 | $30,000 | +$5,140 | 88 FR 3424 (Jan. 19, 2023) |
| 2022 | $13,590 | $27,750 | +$4,720 | 87 FR 3315 (Jan. 21, 2022) |
| 2021 | $12,880 | $26,500 | +$4,540 | 86 FR 7732 (Feb. 1, 2021) |
| 2020 | $12,760 | $26,200 | +$4,480 | 85 FR 3060 (Jan. 17, 2020) |
| 2019 | $12,490 | $25,750 | +$4,420 | 84 FR 1167 (Feb. 1, 2019) |
Source: ASPE prior years (ASPE workbook of guidelines through 2026).
HealthCare.gov explains that adults with income below 100% of the poverty level in states that haven't expanded Medicaid, and who don't qualify for Medicaid on other grounds, can fall into a gap: too much income for their state's Medicaid and too little for Marketplace savings. It still suggests applying, because you may qualify under your state's existing rules (HealthCare.gov Medicaid expansion).
Facts and arithmetic only. VaultRubric doesn't decide eligibility for any program. Each agency defines income and household, may use different months or rounding, and many states set limits above the federal floor. Check with the program before you rely on a number.
The 2026 HHS poverty guidelines are $15,960 for 1 person, $21,640 for 2, $27,320 for 3, $33,000 for 4, $38,680 for 5, $44,360 for 6, $50,040 for 7 and $55,720 for 8 in the 48 states and D.C., plus $5,680 for each extra person. Alaska starts at $19,950 (+$7,100) and Hawaii at $18,360 (+$6,530).
$22,024.80 a year for one person, $29,863.20 for two, $37,701.60 for three and $45,540 for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. (HHS chart). 138% is the adult Medicaid income limit in states that expanded Medicaid, though a few states use a different limit.
$66,000 a year ($5,500 a month) in the 48 states and D.C. For one person it is $31,920. In Alaska a family of four's 200% figure is $82,500 and in Hawaii $75,900.
Using the 2026 guidelines (which set Marketplace savings for 2027 coverage): $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. For 2026 coverage, which uses the 2025 guidelines: $62,600 and $128,600. The IRS says the 100% to 400% range applies again after the 2021-2025 expansion ended.
The ones published before open enrollment starts. The IRS says premium tax credit eligibility for a year is based on the most recently published guidelines on the first day of open enrollment, so 2027 coverage uses the 2026 guidelines and 2026 coverage uses the 2025 guidelines. HealthCare.gov says 2026 figures are used for Medicaid and CHIP.
It depends on the program. HHS doesn't define income or household; each program does. Health coverage uses MAGI, SNAP has both a gross (130%) and a net (100%) test, and school meals count gross cash income from all sources before deductions.
HHS hasn't published them yet. ASPE says the guidelines have been published in late January since 2006 (except 2010); the 2026 guidelines were published Jan. 15, 2026. They are updated each year for inflation using the CPI-U.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.