What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
$15,960 a year for one person in the 48 contiguous states and DC, plus $5,680 for each additional person: $33,000 for a family of four. Alaska and Hawaii have higher figures.
2026 federal poverty guidelines
The 2026 federal poverty level is $15,960 for one person and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 states and DC. Add $5,680 for each extra person.
One person$15,96048 states and DC
Family of four$33,000up 2.6% from 2025
Each extra person$5,680added to the one-person figure
Alaska and Hawaii$19,950Alaska, one person; Hawaii $18,360
Where your income falls
$45,000 for 3 people in the 48 states and DC
165% of the poverty level- 2026 poverty guideline, 3 people
- $27,320
- A month
- $2,277
- 138% of it
- $37,702
- 200% of it
- $54,640
- 400% of it
- $109,280
2026 poverty level chart by percentage
Yearly income for the 48 states and DC, rounded to the dollar. 100% is the guideline itself.
| Household | 100% | 133% | 138% | 150% | 185% | 200% | 250% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $21,227 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $29,526 | $31,920 | $39,900 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $28,781 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $40,034 | $43,280 | $54,100 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,336 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $50,542 | $54,640 | $68,300 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,890 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $61,050 | $66,000 | $82,500 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,444 | $53,378 | $58,020 | $71,558 | $77,360 | $96,700 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,999 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $82,066 | $88,720 | $110,900 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,553 | $69,055 | $75,060 | $92,574 | $100,080 | $125,100 | $150,120 | $200,160 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,108 | $76,894 | $83,580 | $103,082 | $111,440 | $139,300 | $167,160 | $222,880 |
More than 8 people: add $5,680 to the 100% figure for each extra person, then multiply.
Alaska and Hawaii
| Household | 48 states and 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 extra person | $5,680 | $7,100 | $6,530 |
Poverty guidelines by year
| Year | One person | Family of four | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $15,960 | $33,000 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $15,650 | $32,150 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $15,060 | $31,200 | +4.0% |
| 2023 | $14,580 | $30,000 | +8.1% |
| 2022 | $13,590 | $27,750 | +4.7% |
| 2021 | $12,880 | $26,500 | +1.1% |
| 2020 | $12,760 | $26,200 | +1.7% |
| 2019 | $12,490 | $25,750 | +2.6% |
| 2018 | $12,140 | $25,100 | +2.0% |
| 2017 | $12,060 | $24,600 | +1.2% |
| 2016 | $11,880 | $24,300 | +0.2% |
| 2015 | $11,770 | $24,250 | +1.7% |
| 2014 | $11,670 | $23,850 | +1.3% |
| 2013 | $11,490 | $23,550 | +2.2% |
| 2012 | $11,170 | $23,050 | +3.1% |
| 2011 | $10,890 | $22,350 | +1.4% |
| 2010 | $10,830 | $22,050 | +0.0% |
| 2009 | $10,830 | $22,050 | +4.0% |
| 2008 | $10,400 | $21,200 | +2.7% |
| 2007 | $10,210 | $20,650 | +3.2% |
| 2006 | $9,800 | $20,000 | +3.4% |
| 2005 | $9,570 | $19,350 | +2.7% |
| 2004 | $9,310 | $18,850 | +2.4% |
| 2003 | $8,980 | $18,400 | +1.7% |
| 2002 | $8,860 | $18,100 | +2.5% |
| 2001 | $8,590 | $17,650 | +3.5% |
| 2000 | $8,350 | $17,050 | — |
48 states and DC. Earlier years: HHS prior poverty guidelines.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPE, data through January 15, 2026.
Cite or link to this page
Citation
insytesBI. (2026). 2026 federal poverty guidelines. Data: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPE, January 15, 2026. https://www.insytesbi.com/poverty-guidelines/Link
<a href="https://www.insytesbi.com/poverty-guidelines/">2026 federal poverty guidelines</a>Frequently asked questions
What is 138% of the poverty level in 2026?
$22,025 for one person, $29,863 for two, $37,702 for three and $45,540 for a family of four, in the 48 states and DC.
What is 200% of the federal poverty level?
$31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a family of four in 2026. Double the guideline for any household size.
What is 400% of the poverty level?
$63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four, using the 2026 guidelines for the 48 states and DC.
Which programs use the poverty guidelines?
HHS lists Head Start, SNAP, the National School Lunch Program, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, often at a percentage such as 125% or 185%. TANF, SSI and the Earned Income Tax Credit do not use them.
When were the 2026 guidelines published?
HHS published them in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026. Each program decides when it switches to the new figures, and marketplace health plan subsidies use the guidelines from the year before coverage.
Are the poverty guidelines the same as the poverty threshold?
No. The Census Bureau’s poverty thresholds are used to count how many people are poor and differ for people 65 and older. The HHS guidelines are a simpler version used to set program income limits.