Quick answer
HHS set the 2026 poverty guideline for one person at $15,960 in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., $19,950 in Alaska, and $18,360 in Hawaii. A program may use these guidelines, a multiple of them, a prior-year table, or a different income method—so an FPL percentage is only a screening reference.
Key takeaways
- Alaska and Hawaii have separate guidelines.
- Add $5,680, $7,100, or $6,530 for each person above eight, depending on geography.
- Program eligibility can also depend on age, disability, immigration status, resources, deductions, and state rules.
2026 federal poverty guidelines
| Household size | 48 states & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 | $18,360 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 | $24,890 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 | $31,420 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 | $37,950 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 | $44,480 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 | $51,010 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 | $57,540 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 | $64,070 |
For households larger than eight, add $5,680 per person in the contiguous states and D.C., $7,100 in Alaska, or $6,530 in Hawaii.
How to calculate a percentage of FPL
Divide the household’s annual income under the program’s rules by the applicable annual guideline, then multiply by 100. For example, $30,000 divided by the $33,000 guideline for a four-person household in the contiguous states equals about 90.9% of FPL. This arithmetic does not decide eligibility because programs define household and income differently.
Which programs use the guidelines?
- WIC: federal regulations generally prevent eligibility above 185% of the federal income guidelines, subject to adjunctive eligibility and state administration.
- Medicaid and CHIP: thresholds and covered groups vary by state.
- Marketplace savings: HealthCare.gov uses estimated household income and household size under Marketplace rules.
- SNAP and other programs: program-year tables, deductions, and state rules can differ from a simple current-year FPL calculation.
Avoid the monthly-rounding trap
The HHS table publishes annual figures. A program’s official monthly limit may use its own rounding or program year. Use the program’s table rather than treating annual guideline divided by 12 as the final eligibility limit.
Related guides
Official sources
- HHS/ASPE — 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- eCFR — WIC certification requirements
- HealthCare.gov — income and household information
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. Fact-checked against the linked primary sources on July 27, 2026. The Guru Gazette is independent and is not affiliated with any government agency. This is general information, not individualized benefits, tax, legal, medical, or insurance advice.
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