Federal Poverty Level Calculator
Enter household size and income to see your FPL percentage and program eligibility thresholds.
Program Eligibility Thresholds
Based on your FPL percentage, you may meet the income threshold for these programs. Other eligibility factors (age, citizenship, assets, etc.) also apply.
| Program | Income Limit | Max Income | Status |
|---|
2026 Federal Poverty Level by Household Size
| Size | 100% FPL | 130% FPL | 185% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator
This calculator shows where your household income falls relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is used to determine eligibility for many government assistance programs. Here is how to use it:
- Select the guideline year. HHS publishes new poverty guidelines every January. Use the current year for benefit applications.
- Choose your region. Alaska and Hawaii have higher poverty guidelines than the 48 contiguous states and DC due to higher costs of living.
- Enter your household size. Count everyone who lives together and shares income, including yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. Household size definitions may vary by program.
- Enter your annual gross income. This is your total household income before taxes. Include wages, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, and other income sources.
- Review your FPL percentage and program thresholds. The calculator shows which programs you may meet the income threshold for. Remember that income is only one factor in eligibility.
About the Federal Poverty Level
The Federal Poverty Level is a measure of income published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is used to determine eligibility for dozens of federal programs and benefits, including SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), WIC, ACA marketplace subsidies, LIHEAP energy assistance, and free and reduced school lunches.
For 2026, the poverty guideline for a single individual in the 48 contiguous states is $15,650, and for a family of four it is $32,390. Each program sets its own eligibility threshold as a percentage of FPL. For example, SNAP uses 130% FPL for the gross income test, while ACA marketplace subsidies are available up to 400% FPL.
Why This Matters
Over 72 million Americans receive some form of monthly government assistance. Many programs base eligibility on your income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. Understanding your FPL percentage is the first step in determining which programs you may qualify for. An estimated 1 in 5 eligible households do not claim benefits they could receive, leaving billions of dollars unclaimed each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Poverty Level for a family of 4 in 2026?
The 2026 Federal Poverty Level for a family of 4 is $32,390 in the 48 contiguous states and DC, $40,470 in Alaska, and $37,260 in Hawaii. These guidelines are published by HHS each January and are used to determine eligibility for federal programs.
How is FPL percentage calculated?
FPL percentage is your annual household income divided by the poverty guideline for your household size, multiplied by 100. For example, a family of 4 earning $48,585 would be at 150% FPL ($48,585 / $32,390 x 100 = 150%). Programs use this percentage to set income eligibility thresholds.
What programs use the Federal Poverty Level?
Many federal programs use FPL to determine eligibility, including SNAP (food stamps) at 130% FPL, Medicaid at 138% FPL in expansion states, WIC at 185% FPL, ACA marketplace subsidies up to 400% FPL, free school lunches at 130% FPL, reduced school lunches at 185% FPL, and LIHEAP energy assistance at 150% FPL. Each program may have additional eligibility requirements beyond income.
Why are Alaska and Hawaii FPL amounts different?
Alaska and Hawaii have separate, higher poverty guidelines because the cost of living in those states is significantly higher than in the contiguous United States. For example, a single person in Alaska has a 2026 poverty guideline of $19,560 compared to $15,650 in the lower 48 states.