Calculators and guides › Poverty guidelines

What does the number mean?

HHS publishes poverty guidelines each year. People often call them the federal poverty level, or FPL. This tool divides the income you enter by the guideline for your state and family size. It then shows that ratio as a percent.

At the guideline, the result is 100%. At half of it, the result is 50%. At twice the guideline, it is 200%. These examples explain the math. None is a rule that says you can or cannot get aid.

Who should you count?

Use this tool for one family, or for yourself alone. Do not add unrelated housemates just because you share an address. Confirm that the family count fits before you submit. The tool supports one to ten people; for a larger family, use the official table.

Enter annual income before taxes, including wages and other income such as pensions. This is only a rough reference for the family you enter. A program may count people and income in a different way.

Which year and place does it use?

The tool uses the official 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Alaska and Hawaii have their own tables. The other 48 states and DC share one table. US territories are not supported by this tool.

Why is this not a benefits test?

Programs can use different guideline years, start dates, family rules, and ways to count income. They may also check age, disability, savings, or other facts. A low percent does not prove you qualify. A high one does not rule out all help.

Check the program's own rules next. A result can help you ask the right questions. It does not replace the forms or proof an office needs. The Benefits Estimator offers limited 2026 tax-credit estimates and program guidance. It does not turn this percent into a total benefits payment.