2021 Federal poverty guidelines — 100%
Household-size guidelines used in many public-benefit eligibility rules.
100% guideline, one person, 48 states & DC
$12,880| Household size | 48 states & DC | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12,880 | $16,090 | $14,820 |
| 2 | $17,420 | $21,770 | $20,040 |
| 3 | $21,960 | $27,450 | $25,260 |
| 4 | $26,500 | $33,130 | $30,480 |
| 5 | $31,040 | $38,810 | $35,700 |
| 6 | $35,580 | $44,490 | $40,920 |
| 7 | $40,120 | $50,170 | $46,140 |
| 8 | $44,660 | $55,850 | $51,360 |
| Each additional person | $4,540 | $5,680 | $5,220 |
- Announced
- Not recorded; see primary document
- Guideline year
- 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31
- Next usual release
- January
Who this applies to.
Alaska and Hawaii have separate tables. Guidelines are not Census poverty thresholds. A program may use a prior-year guideline or its own income definitions.
Published by HHS. The table uses guideline-year coverage; programs specify implementation dates dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.
Use the 2021 number.
A program may use a different guideline year, family definition, income calculation or eligibility rule. Guideline amounts are annual; monthly figures divide by 12.
Federal poverty guidelines history.
| Year | Reference value | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12,880 | — | Official |
| 2022 | $13,590 | +$710 | Official |
| 2023 | $14,580 | +$990 | Official |
| 2024 | $15,060 | +$480 | Official |
| 2025 | $15,650 | +$590 | Official |
| 2026 | $15,960 | +$310 | Official |
History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.
Questions about federal poverty guidelines.
What is the 2021 federal poverty guidelines?
The sourced table above shows the 2021 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $12,880; other statuses or categories may differ.
When will the next number be announced?
The usual publication window is January. This is a typical schedule, not a promised date. The calendar distinguishes published values from pending releases.
Is this official or projected?
The displayed 2021 record is official. Official means a primary agency document or statute supports the value. A projection states its formula, inflation data and assumptions and changes when an official source becomes available.
How does it compare with last year?
Use the history and prior-year page for verified comparisons. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.
Can I use the calculator without an account?
Yes. Submit the form to get a server-calculated estimate, including when JavaScript is off. Inputs are not stored in the application cache or sent to analytics. Result URLs include the inputs, so avoid sharing them if the figures are private.