The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) helps figure out if you can get government help. Think of it like a score: the lower your score, the more likely you are to qualify for assistance. A lower FPL percentage means you earn less compared to what the government considers basic living costs, and often, the less you earn, the more help you can get.
Eligibility for Assistance by Income Level
| Your FPL Score | What It Means | Help You Might Get |
|---|---|---|
| Below 100% FPL | Your family makes less than the basic needs level. | Medicaid (health insurance), SNAP (help with food), TANF (cash for essential needs), TEFAP (free emergency food), Lifeline (discount on phone or internet bill), Section 8 (help with rent). |
| 100% to 138% FPL | Your family makes a bit more than basic needs. | Medicaid (in some states), CHIP (health insurance for kids), SNAP, TEFAP, Lifeline. |
| 138% to 200% FPL | Your family has a moderate income. | CHIP, Lower-Cost Health Insurance (like through ACA), SNAP (in some cases), TEFAP, Lifeline. |
| 200% to 250% FPL | Your family makes a decent income but could still use help. | Health Insurance Support (like reduced premiums), State-Specific Programs, TEFAP, Lifeline. |
| 250% to 400% FPL | Your family makes more, but still not a high income. | Health Insurance Tax Credits (to reduce insurance costs), Lifeline (maybe). |
See the full list ➡️ of benefit programs
Below 100% FPL
Your Score: [show_fpl_value]%
At below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), your family earns less than what’s needed for basic living costs. This can be tough, but there’s help available. You may qualify for assistance with programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), TEFAP (emergency food), Lifeline (for phone or internet bills), and Section 8 Housing Vouchers. These programs are designed to support you with health care, food, essential cash, and housing needs. Learn more about each program below.
100% to 138% FPL
Your Score: [show_fpl_value]%
If your family’s income is between 100% and 138% of the FPL, you’re earning slightly above the level for basic needs. While this is a bit higher, you might still qualify for important help. Programs like Medicaid (in some states), CHIP (for children’s health insurance), SNAP, TEFAP, and Lifeline are available to provide support with health care, nutrition, and essential services. Read on for details about what each of these programs offers.
138% to 200% FPL
Your Score: [show_fpl_value]%
Families with an income between 138% and 200% of the FPL are considered to have a moderate income. Even so, you may need a hand with certain expenses. Assistance may be available through programs like CHIP, lower-cost health insurance options (through ACA), SNAP (depending on your state), TEFAP, and Lifeline. These programs can help cover healthcare, food, and communication needs.
200% to 250% FPL
Your Score: [show_fpl_value]%
An income between 200% and 250% of the FPL suggests a decent earning, but you might still face challenges in affording some essentials. Look into health insurance cost support (like reduced premiums through the ACA), state-specific programs, TEFAP, and Lifeline for assistance. These can provide crucial support in reducing health insurance costs and ensuring access to basic services.
250% to 400% FPL
Your Score: [show_fpl_value]%
For families with an income between 250% and 400% of the FPL, there are still benefits to help you manage expenses. Health insurance tax credits available through the ACA can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance premiums. In some cases, the Lifeline program might also be an option, offering discounts on phone or internet services. These aids can be a substantial relief in managing healthcare and communication costs.
Now that you’ve calculated your FPL score, let’s get into the details of the assistance programs available to you. We’ll cover what each program is, who it’s for, and how you can apply. Here, you’ll find straightforward information to help you understand and access the support you might need.
Assistance Programs
Learn a bit more about each program below.
✅ Medicaid
Medicaid is government-provided health insurance for people with low income. It’s designed to make healthcare more affordable for you.
What Medicaid Covers:
- Doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care.
- Prescription drugs.
- Services like pregnancy care, mental health support, and more.
How to Apply for Medicaid:
- Check Eligibility: Ideal for those under 100% FPL, but varies by state.
- Process: Apply through your state’s Medicaid office, available online, by phone, or in person.
- Documentation: Prepare income details and personal identification for the application.
Tips:
- Ensure all information on your application is complete.
- For any questions, directly contact your state’s Medicaid office.
Medicaid can significantly reduce your healthcare costs. If you’re struggling financially, it’s a good idea to see if you qualify.
Learn More & Apply for Medicaid
✅ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps you buy food if you don’t have a lot of money.
What SNAP Does:
- Gives you a card to buy food at stores, like a debit card.
- You can buy things like bread, milk, fruits, vegetables, and meat.
- You can’t buy alcohol, tobacco, or hot, ready-to-eat food.
How to Get SNAP:
- Who Can Get It: If you don’t make much money, you might qualify. It depends on how many people are in your family.
- How to Apply: You apply at your local SNAP office. Some places let you apply online or by phone.
- What You Need for Applying: Information about how much money you make, who lives with you, and some ID.
Tips:
- Be sure about what you can and can’t buy with SNAP. This helps when you go shopping.
- If you need help applying or have questions, the SNAP office can help. They are there to make things clearer for you.
SNAP is there to make sure you can get enough food, even when money is tight. It’s a big help for buying groceries.
✅ TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF is a program that helps families with low incomes.
What TANF Offers:
- Cash each month to help pay for things like food, housing, and clothes.
- Job training programs to help adults find work.
- Sometimes, help with child care and transportation.
How to Apply for TANF:
- Who Can Get It: Families with children, especially if income is very low. Each state has its own rules for who qualifies.
- Signing Up: You can apply at the agency in your state that handles TANF. This is often the same place where you apply for food stamps.
- What You Need to Apply: Proof of how much money you make, who is in your family, and where you live. Also, information about your job situation.
Tips:
- Be honest with your information. It helps them decide if you can get TANF.
- Questions are okay. If something is hard to understand, the people at the TANF office can help explain.
TANF can help you cover your basic needs while you work towards a stable financial situation.
✅ TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)
TEFAP gives free food to people who don’t have much money. It helps when you need a little extra to eat.
What TEFAP Offers:
- Boxes of food, like canned fruits, vegetables, and meat.
- Sometimes, fresh produce and dairy products.
- You pick it up at places like food banks or community centers.
How to Get TEFAP:
- Who Can Get It: If you don’t earn much, you’re likely eligible. It’s often for people who also get SNAP or TANF, but not always.
- How to Apply: You usually don’t need to apply. Just go to a local place that has TEFAP food.
- What You Might Need: Some places ask for ID or proof of income, but many don’t.
Tips:
- Find out where and when you can pick up food. Every place has its own schedule.
- If you’re unsure about something, like if you qualify, just ask at the food bank or center. They can help you out.
TEFAP is a helpful program when you need extra food for your family. It’s there to make sure you have enough to eat.
✅ Lifeline
Lifeline is a program that helps you pay for phone or internet service if you don’t have a lot of money.
What Lifeline Offers:
- A discount on your monthly phone or internet bill.
- Sometimes, a discount on a phone if you need one.
- You choose if you want the discount on your phone or internet, but not both.
How to Get Lifeline:
- Who Can Get It: If your income is low, like below 135% of the FPL, or if you get programs like SNAP or Medicaid, you might qualify.
- How to Apply: Apply through your phone or internet company, or you can go to the Lifeline website.
- What You Need for Applying: Proof of how much you make or that you’re in a program like SNAP.
Tips:
- Pick whether you need help with your phone or internet bill. You can only get a discount on one.
- If applying seems hard, ask your phone or internet company for help, or check the Lifeline website for guidance.
Lifeline can make it easier to stay connected with a phone or the internet, which is really important nowadays.
✅ WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC is a program that helps pregnant women, new moms, and young kids eat well and stay healthy.
What WIC Offers:
- Special checks or a card to buy healthy food like milk, eggs, and cereal.
- Advice on eating healthy and staying fit.
- Help with getting healthcare for moms and kids.
How to Get WIC:
- Who Can Get It: If you’re pregnant, a new mom, or have kids under 5, and your income is low, you might qualify.
- How to Apply: Go to your local WIC office. Some places let you start the process over the phone or online.
- What You Need for Applying: Proof of your income, where you live, and that you or your kids are at health risk.
Tips:
- Use your WIC benefits for the specific foods they cover. It’s all about healthy eating.
- If you’re not sure how to use WIC or what you can get, the staff at the WIC office can explain it.
WIC is there to make sure moms and kids get the nutrition they need. It’s a big help, especially if you’re a new mom or have little kids.
✅ Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 helps you pay for housing if your income is low. It’s a program that gives you a voucher to help cover your rent.
What Section 8 Offers:
- A voucher that pays a part of your rent.
- You can choose where you want to live, as long as the place meets the program’s requirements.
- The amount of help you get depends on your family size and income.
How to Get Section 8:
- Who Can Get It: If you don’t earn much, you might qualify. It’s based on your income, family size, and where you live.
- How to Apply: Apply at your local public housing agency. There can be a waitlist because a lot of people need help.
- What You Need for Applying: Information about your income, family, and current living situation.
Tips:
- Be patient, as getting a voucher can take time.
- Keep your information updated with the housing agency, especially if your income or family size changes.
Section 8 can be a big help in making your rent more affordable. If you’re struggling with housing costs, it’s worth looking into.
✅ CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
CHIP provides health insurance for kids when families can’t afford it but make too much to get Medicaid.
What CHIP Offers:
- Doctor and dentist visits for your kids.
- Immunizations, prescriptions, and hospital care.
- Sometimes, it even covers vision and hearing services.
How to Get CHIP:
- Who Can Get It: If your income is too high for Medicaid but still not a lot, CHIP is for you. It’s for kids up to age 19.
- How to Apply: You apply through your state’s CHIP program. Sometimes, it’s part of the same application as Medicaid.
- What You Need for Applying: Information about your income, your kids, and any insurance they have now.
Tips:
- CHIP coverage varies by state, so check what your state offers.
- If you’re not sure about applying or what CHIP covers, contact your state’s CHIP program for help.
CHIP is a great way to make sure your kids stay healthy, especially if you’re in that middle spot with your income.
✅ Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Insurance
The ACA Marketplace offers health insurance plans for people who don’t get insurance through work or other programs.
What ACA Marketplace Offers:
- A variety of health insurance plans to choose from.
- Coverage for essential services like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
- Financial help to lower your insurance costs if your income is between 100% and 400% FPL.
How to Get ACA Marketplace Insurance:
- Who Can Get It: If you don’t have insurance through your job, Medicaid, or Medicare, and your income is between 100% and 400% FPL.
- How to Apply: Sign up during the open enrollment period on the ACA Marketplace website. There are special enrollment periods if you have life changes like losing a job.
- What You Need for Applying: Information about your income and any current health insurance.
Tips:
- Compare different plans to find one that fits your needs and budget.
- If you’re not sure about the options, use the tools on the ACA website, or talk to a health insurance counselor for help.
ACA Marketplace insurance is a good choice if you need health insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
✅ Health Insurance Tax Credits
Health Insurance Tax Credits help you pay less for health insurance if you buy it through the ACA Marketplace.
What Health Insurance Tax Credits Offer:
- Lower the cost of your monthly premium on health insurance plans.
- Based on your income, especially helpful if it’s between 250% and 400% FPL.
- You get the credit when you file your taxes, or you can use it throughout the year to lower your insurance cost.
How to Get Health Insurance Tax Credits:
- Who Can Get It: Mainly for people whose income is too high for Medicaid but still need help. It’s for those earning between 250% and 400% FPL.
- How to Apply: When you sign up for a health plan in the ACA Marketplace, they’ll tell you if you qualify.
- What You Need for Applying: Your income details. When you do your taxes, you’ll see how much credit you get.
Tips:
- When you choose a health plan on the ACA Marketplace, compare plans with the tax credit in mind.
- If you’re not sure how the tax credit works, ask a tax advisor or someone at the ACA Marketplace for help.
Health Insurance Tax Credits are a key way to make health insurance more affordable if you’re in the middle-income range and don’t qualify for Medicaid.