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Government Benefits Guide
Plain-language eligibility basics, 2026 income limits and official links to apply for federal programs. The 2026 poverty guideline for a family of four is $33,000 in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
Key numbers for this year
Checked against official sources on 10/11/2026
- SNAP gross income limit, family of 4
- $3,575/month
- Fiscal year 2027, 48 states and D.C.
- WIC income limit, family of 4
- $61,050/year
- 185% of the poverty guidelines
- Medicaid expansion limit, 1 adult
- $22,025/year
- 138%, in expansion states
- Maximum SSI payment
- $994/month
- 2026, individual. Couple $1,491
- SSDI earnings limit (SGA)
- $1,690/month
- 2026, $2,830 if blind
- Maximum Pell Grant
- $7,395
- 2026-27 award year
2026 income limits by household size
48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits; see their state pages.
| Household size | Poverty guideline (2026, yearly) | SNAP gross (monthly) | WIC (yearly) | Medicaid adults (yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $1,729 | $29,526 | $22,025 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $2,345 | $40,034 | $29,864 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $2,960 | $50,542 | $37,702 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $3,575 | $61,050 | $45,540 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $4,191 | $71,558 | $53,379 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $4,806 | $82,066 | $61,217 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $5,421 | $92,574 | $69,056 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $6,037 | $103,082 | $76,894 |
For each additional person, add $5,680 to the yearly poverty guideline. Figures are rounded up to the next dollar, as agencies do. Source: HHS 2026 poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
Food
- SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAP, once called food stamps, gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries at authorized stores.
- WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenWIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under 5.
Health care
- MedicaidMedicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to people with low incomes, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities.
- CHIP: Children's Health Insurance ProgramCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Some states also cover pregnant women.
Income
- SSI: Supplemental Security IncomeSSI pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, including children with disabilities.
- SSDI: Social Security Disability InsuranceSSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a disability expected to last at least a year or result in death, and who have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security.
Utilities and phone
Housing
School and work
- Unemployment: Unemployment InsuranceUnemployment insurance replaces part of your wages for a limited time if you lose your job through no fault of your own.
- Pell Grant: Federal Pell GrantsPell Grants help undergraduate students with financial need pay for college. Unlike loans, they usually do not need to be repaid.
Benefits by state
Purple states expanded Medicaid to adults up to 138% of the poverty guidelines; gray states have not. Select a state for its income limits and agencies.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the federal poverty level for 2026?
- The 2026 HHS poverty guideline is $15,960 a year for one person and $33,000 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., plus $5,680 for each additional person. Alaska ($19,950 for one person) and Hawaii ($18,360) have higher guidelines.
- What is the SNAP income limit for a family of four?
- For federal fiscal year 2027 (10/01/2026 to 09/30/2027), a household of four in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. generally must have gross monthly income at or below $3,575 and net monthly income at or below $2,750. Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net limit.
- Can I apply for more than one program?
- Yes. Many people qualify for several programs, and getting one can make you automatically eligible for another. For example, people who get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF automatically meet the WIC income rule, and SNAP or Medicaid participation qualifies a household for Lifeline.
- Is this site a government agency?
- No. DatenUS is an independent site that summarizes official public information. Always apply through the official agency links on each page, and never pay anyone to apply for benefits for you.