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Updated October 14, 2026

Income limits for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC and energy help

The 2026-27 income limits by household size, plus your state’s own rules.

The income limits for the four programs that cut the biggest household bills: SNAP (food), Medicaid (health care), WIC (food for young children and pregnant women) and LIHEAP (heating and cooling). Figures come straight from the federal tables; pick your state for its own SNAP limit and Medicaid rules.

Map of the SNAP gross income limit in every state as a share of the poverty line, with the monthly limit for one person
SNAP gross income limits by state, October 2026 to September 2027. Download the full-size image.
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National income limits (48 states and DC)

Household sizeSNAP gross / month (130%)SNAP net / month (100%)Medicaid adults, expansion states / year (138%)WIC / year (185%)
1$1,729$1,330$22,025$29,526
2$2,345$1,804$29,863$40,034
3$2,960$2,277$37,702$50,542
4$3,575$2,750$45,540$61,050
5$4,191$3,224$53,378$71,558
6$4,806$3,697$61,217$82,066
7$5,421$4,170$69,055$92,574
8$6,037$4,644$76,894$103,082

SNAP figures are for October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027. WIC figures run July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Medicaid figures are 138% of the 2026 poverty guidelines. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits; see their state pages.

States with higher SNAP income limits

36 states and DC let households with gross income above the federal 130% limit qualify for SNAP through “broad-based categorical eligibility,” up to as much as 200% of the poverty guideline. Your benefit still depends on your income after deductions.

Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Each state sets its own LIHEAP income limit. Federal rules cap it at the greater of 150% of the poverty guideline or 60% of state median income, and it cannot be set below 110% of the poverty guideline. For a family of four, 150% of the 2026 guideline is $49,500 a year. Source: HHS ACF, LIHEAP fact sheet.

Sources

Checked October 14, 2026. Income limits are one part of eligibility; your state agency makes the decision. See also help paying bills.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SNAP income limit for 2026-27?

For October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, the federal gross monthly limit is $1,729 for one person and $3,575 for a household of four (48 states and DC). Many states allow higher gross income.

What is the Medicaid income limit?

In the 40 states plus DC that expanded Medicaid, most adults qualify with income up to 138% of the poverty guideline: about $22,025 a year for one person in 2026.

What is the WIC income limit?

185% of the poverty guideline: $61,050 a year for a household of four from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (48 states and DC).