Federal Poverty Level 2026
See where your income falls against the 2026 poverty guidelines and which assistance programs you may qualify for.
2026 federal poverty guidelines by household size
| Household size | 48 states & DC | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $19,950 | $18,360 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $27,050 | $24,890 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,150 | $31,420 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,250 | $37,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,350 | $44,480 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,450 | $51,010 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,550 | $57,540 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,650 | $64,070 |
| each additional | +$5,680 | +$7,100 | +$6,530 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
For 2026, the federal poverty level in the 48 contiguous states and DC is $15,960 for one person, plus $5,680 for each additional person. Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures.
How do I calculate my percentage of the federal poverty level?
Divide your annual household income by the poverty guideline for your household size, then multiply by 100. For example, a family of four earning $40,000 is about 125% of the 2026 poverty level.
What programs use the federal poverty level?
Medicaid (138%), ACA marketplace subsidies (100-400%+), SNAP (130% gross), WIC (185%), Medicare Extra Help (150%), and free or reduced school lunch (130%/185%) all set eligibility as a percentage of the FPL.
See the benefits hub for more eligibility tools.
Source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register (effective Jan 13, 2026). Estimate only - not an eligibility determination.