Federal Poverty Level Calculator
Calculate your 2024 FPL percentage and eligibility instantly.
Enter the total number of people in your tax household.
Pre-tax annual income for all household members.
Poverty guidelines are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Your FPL Percentage
Income Comparison to Guidelines
What is the Federal Poverty Level Calculator?
The federal poverty level calculator is an essential tool for individuals and families to determine where they stand relative to the federal government's economic benchmarks. Issued annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) serves as a baseline for determining financial eligibility for various federal and state assistance programs.
Who should use the federal poverty level calculator? Anyone looking to apply for the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA), Medicaid, CHIP, or SNAP benefits needs to know their FPL percentage. A common misconception is that "the poverty line" is a single number for everyone; in reality, it adjusts significantly based on your household size and geographic location (specifically whether you live in Alaska or Hawaii).
By using a federal poverty level calculator, you can quickly assess if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions or premium tax credits that make essential services affordable. Knowing your status helps in planning household budgets and navigating the complex landscape of social safety nets in the United States.
Federal Poverty Level Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The math behind the federal poverty level calculator is straightforward but relies on specific annual constants. The core formula is:
(Total Annual Income / Poverty Guideline Threshold) × 100 = FPL %
Variables and Values (2024 Guidelines)
| Variable | Meaning | 48 States Base | Add per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Total count of tax dependents | 1 Person | N/A |
| Base Threshold | The 100% FPL for 1 person | $15,060 | +$5,380 |
| Alaska Threshold | Higher cost of living adjustment | $18,810 | +$6,730 |
| Hawaii Threshold | Island economy adjustment | $17,310 | +$6,190 |
For a family of four in the 48 contiguous states, the 100% threshold is calculated as: $15,060 + (3 × $5,380) = $31,200. If that family earns $62,400, the federal poverty level calculator would show them at 200% of the FPL.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Single Professional in Florida
Inputs: Household Size: 1, Income: $22,000, State: 48 States. The federal poverty level calculator uses the base of $15,060. The result is approximately 146% of the FPL. This individual would likely qualify for significant premium tax credits on the Health Insurance Marketplace but would be just above the 138% Medicaid expansion threshold.
Example 2: Family of Five in Alaska
Inputs: Household Size: 5, Income: $60,000, State: Alaska. The 100% threshold is $18,810 + (4 × $6,730) = $45,730. The federal poverty level calculator determines this family is at 131% of the FPL. In Alaska, this family would likely qualify for Medicaid and various other state-specific assistance programs.
How to Use This Federal Poverty Level Calculator
- Enter Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you claim on your tax return.
- Input Annual Income: Use your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the most accurate results regarding ACA eligibility.
- Select Your State: Choose between the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, or Hawaii to apply the correct cost-of-living adjustments.
- Review the Percentage: The federal poverty level calculator will show your percentage in the green box. Values below 100% indicate income below the poverty line.
- Check Eligibility Markers: Look at the intermediate values (138%, 400%) to see if you hit key program thresholds.
Key Factors That Affect Federal Poverty Level Calculator Results
- Household Composition: Who you include in your tax household directly changes the poverty threshold. Even non-related dependents can shift your federal poverty level calculator outcome.
- Geographic Location: Alaska and Hawaii have significantly higher thresholds due to higher shipping and living costs, making the federal poverty level calculator results different for these residents.
- Inflation Adjustments: Each January, the HHS updates these numbers based on the Consumer Price Index. A federal poverty level calculator must be updated annually to remain accurate.
- Income Definitions: Different programs use different income definitions (Gross vs. Net vs. MAGI). Most federal poverty level calculator users should use MAGI for health insurance purposes.
- Medicaid Expansion Status: While the calculator shows the 138% threshold, whether you qualify depends on if your specific state has expanded Medicaid.
- Timing of Application: Program eligibility often uses the previous year's FPL guidelines during the first few months of the new year for certain tax-related benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the guidelines increased in 2024 to account for inflation. Our federal poverty level calculator uses the most recent 2024 data to ensure your results are current.
In states that have expanded Medicaid, individuals with income up to 138% of the FPL are eligible for coverage. A federal poverty level calculator helps you see if you fall under this limit.
You should enter your pre-tax (gross) income. Specifically, the Marketplace uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
The federal poverty level calculator adds a fixed dollar amount for each additional person beyond 8. Our calculator supports up to 20 people automatically.
Due to significantly higher costs for food, energy, and transportation, the federal government sets higher poverty thresholds for Alaska to maintain equity in benefit access.
Yes, SNAP often uses 130% of the FPL as a gross income limit. You can use the federal poverty level calculator to check your percentage against this 130% benchmark.
This federal poverty level calculator uses annual figures. If you have a monthly income, multiply it by 12 before entering it for the most accurate yearly percentage.
Historically, those above 400% FPL lost all ACA subsidies. While temporary legislation has softened this, the federal poverty level calculator still highlights 400% as a critical milestone for financial assistance.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Medicaid Eligibility Calculator – Detailed state-by-state Medicaid rules.
- ACA Subsidy Estimator – Calculate your premium tax credits for health insurance.
- Income Tax Calculator – Estimate your tax liability and see your MAGI.
- SNAP Benefits Calculator – Determine if your income qualifies for food assistance.
- Child Tax Credit Checker – See how your dependents affect your tax refund.
- Cost of Living Index – Compare costs across states beyond the federal poverty level.