Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
benefitsAlso known as: FPL, federal poverty level, federal poverty guidelines
Updated · Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev
Detailed explanation
HHS publishes the Poverty Guidelines annually (typically in January). Different from "Poverty Threshold" (Census, used for statistics). Programs use FPL as eligibility benchmarks: Medicaid expansion at 138% FPL, ACA premium tax credits 100%-400% FPL (with subsidies), SNAP 130% FPL gross income test, free/reduced school lunch 130%/185%, LIHEAP 150% FPL, CHIP varies by state up to 200-400% FPL. 2026 family of 4 FPL = $32,150; 138% = $44,367; 400% = $128,600. Alaska + Hawaii have separate (higher) FPL tables.
Use these calculators to apply this concept
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