United States · Poverty guidelines · 2026
Federal poverty level 2026, family of 4.
The 2026 poverty guideline for 4 people, the percentage lines programs use, and a check for a household of 4.
Short answer: The 2026 federal poverty guideline for a household of four in the 48 states and D.C. is $33,000 a year, or $2,750 a month. 133 percent is $43,890, 138 percent is $45,540, 150 percent is $49,500, 200 percent is $66,000 and 400 percent is $132,000. Alaska is $41,250 and Hawaii $37,950 for 4 people.
Check income for a household of 4
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The 2026 figures for 4 people
| Percent of poverty | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | $33,000 | $2,750 |
| 133% | $43,890 | $3,658 |
| 138% | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 150% | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 200% | $66,000 | $5,500 |
| 250% | $82,500 | $6,875 |
| 300% | $99,000 | $8,250 |
| 400% | $132,000 | $11,000 |
A household of four, such as two adults with two children, uses these figures for the 48 states and D.C. The 100% guideline for 4 people is $41,250 in Alaska and $37,950 in Hawaii.
Which year each program uses
| Program or rule | Poverty line used | Which year's guideline |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP gross income test (130%) and net test (100%) | 100% and 130% | The 2026 guideline for fiscal year 2027, in effect from October 1, 2026 (USDA memo of August 21, 2026) |
| ACA premium tax credit, coverage year 2027 | Up to 400% | The 2026 guideline, because credits use the guideline published the year before coverage |
| Medicaid and CHIP | Varies by state, often 133% to 400% | The state's limit follows the current guideline when the state updates it |
| WIC | 185% | The guideline in effect on July 1 of the program year |
What changed for 2026
The guideline for 4 people is $33,000, which is $5,680 above the 3-person figure of $27,320; each person adds $5,680 in the 48 states and D.C. ($7,100 in Alaska, $6,530 in Hawaii). ASPE adjusted the 2026 figures with 11 months of 2025 CPI-U data because the BLS did not publish October 2025. The 2027 guideline is expected in January 2027.
Worked example
A household of 4 with $62,000 of income is at 188 percent of poverty ($62,000 divided by $33,000). That is above 150 percent ($49,500) and below 200 percent ($66,000). With $70,000 of income the same household is at 212 percent, between 200 percent ($66,000) and 250 percent ($82,500).
Common mix-ups
- The guideline is by head count, not by who is in the household. A household of 4 can be two parents with two children or a parent with three.
- The step from 3 to 4 people is $5,680. From $27,320 to $33,000 in the 48 states and D.C.
- Monthly is yearly divided by 12. $33,000 is $2750.00 a month.
- Alaska and Hawaii are higher. $41,250 and $37,950 for 4 people.
- Programs count the household their own way. Tax households and SNAP households can differ.
Method
The 4-person guideline is the figure published by ASPE and read on November 9, 2026. Each percentage is that figure times the percentage, rounded to the nearest dollar, and the monthly figure is the yearly figure divided by 12. The checker divides your yearly income by the guideline for your region.
What this does not cover
- Any program's final eligibility, which depends on its own deductions and household definition.
- Other household sizes, which are on the 2026 poverty level chart.
- The 2027 guidelines, which have not been published.
- Territories other than the 50 states and D.C.
Figures read from the sources below on November 9, 2026. Last updated November 9, 2026.
Sources
- HHS ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines (retrieved November 9, 2026)
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2026-26: 2027 applicable percentage table (400% of the poverty line cap) (retrieved November 9, 2026)
- USDA SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (memo dated August 21, 2026) (retrieved November 9, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal poverty level for 4 people in 2026?
$33,000 a year in the 48 states and D.C., $2,750 a month.
What is 138% of the poverty level for a family of 4 in 2026?
$45,540 a year, from $33,000 times 1.38.
What is 200% of poverty for 4 people in 2026?
$66,000 a year.
What is 400% of poverty for a family of 4 in 2026?
$132,000 a year.
Is the family-of-4 poverty level different in Alaska or Hawaii?
Yes: $41,250 in Alaska and $37,950 in Hawaii.
What is the difference between 3 and 4 people?
$5,680 in the 48 states and D.C., from $27,320 to $33,000.
Where is the official figure?
The HHS ASPE poverty guidelines page, linked in the sources.
Not financial or legal advice
This page is general information from an unofficial guide, not financial or legal advice. Each program decides which poverty guideline and percentage it uses and when it updates. Check with the program. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. It runs in your browser.