Last Updated: September 1, 2026
What Is FPL? 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guide and Calculator
FPL stands for Federal Poverty Level, commonly referring to the Federal Poverty Guidelines issued each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
These income guidelines are used by many health coverage and public benefit programs to determine financial eligibility.
Your FPL percentage compares your household income with the federal poverty guideline for your household size. For example, 138% FPL means income equal to 138% of the applicable poverty guideline.
What Is the 2026 Federal Poverty Level?
For 2026, the Federal Poverty Guidelines for California and the other 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia are:
| Household Size | 100% FPL Annual | 100% FPL Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $4,644 |
For households larger than eight people, the 2026 federal guideline adds $5,680 per additional person. DHCS uses monthly rounded values for Medi-Cal calculations, so monthly figures can differ slightly from simply dividing the annual guideline by 12.
Which Programs Use FPL?
Federal Poverty Level percentages are used in many public benefit programs, although each program may use different percentages and eligibility rules.
- Medi-Cal
- MCAP — Medi-Cal Access Program
- Covered California financial assistance
- CalFresh and other income-tested programs
- Some Medicare Savings Programs
- Other federal, state, and local assistance programs
A program's income limit is not always simply “100% FPL.” Different programs may use 138%, 213%, 266%, 322%, or another percentage, and may also have different household and income-counting rules.
How Is Your FPL Percentage Calculated?
A simple estimate is:
For example, if the 100% FPL for a one-person household is $15,960 and annual household income is $22,000:
$22,000 ÷ $15,960 × 100 ≈ 138% FPL.
What Does 138% FPL Mean?
In 2026, 138% FPL is an important Medi-Cal income level for many adults.
For example:
- 1 person: approximately $1,836 per month
- 2 people: approximately $2,490 per month
- 3 people: approximately $3,143 per month
- 4 people: approximately $3,795 per month
What Does 266% FPL Mean?
Some Medi-Cal eligibility categories for children use income levels up to approximately 266% FPL, depending on the child's age and other eligibility rules.
For 2026, DHCS lists monthly 266% FPL values including:
- 1 person: $3,538
- 2 people: $4,799
- 3 people: $6,057
- 4 people: $7,315
What Does 322% FPL Mean?
The Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) uses income limits related to FPL for eligible pregnant individuals who meet the program's requirements.
In 2026, DHCS lists 322% FPL monthly amounts including:
- 1 person: $4,283
- 2 people: $5,809
- 3 people: $7,332
- 4 people: $8,855
MCAP has additional eligibility rules, and pregnancy household-size rules can affect the calculation.
2026 FPL Calculator
Use this calculator for a general estimate of your Federal Poverty Level percentage based on household size and monthly income.
This calculator provides only a general estimate. Medi-Cal and other benefit programs may use specific monthly rounding rules, MAGI calculations, tax-household rules, deductions, or other eligibility requirements. Your actual program eligibility may differ from this estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FPL based on monthly or annual income?
The federal poverty guidelines are published as annual amounts. Programs such as Medi-Cal also publish monthly FPL values for eligibility purposes.
Does every government program use the same FPL percentage?
No. Each program can use a different percentage of FPL and may have additional eligibility rules.
Does household size matter?
Yes. The 100% FPL amount increases as household size increases. However, the way a program defines household size can differ depending on the program.
Does being under a certain FPL automatically mean I qualify for Medi-Cal?
No. Income is only one part of Medi-Cal eligibility. Age, household, pregnancy, disability, immigration-related eligibility rules, and the specific Medi-Cal category can also matter.
Official Resources
California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by HHS, DHCS, Medi-Cal, Covered California, or any government agency. This calculator and guide are for general educational purposes only and do not determine official eligibility. FPL amounts and program rules may change, and each program may calculate income and household size differently. Always verify eligibility with the appropriate government agency.