The federal poverty level in Michigan for 2026 is $15,960 a year for a single person, and it rises by $5,680 for each additional person in the household. Michigan uses the guidelines the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes every January for the 48 contiguous states, and most state assistance programs set their income cutoffs at a percentage of those numbers rather than at the line itself.
2026 Poverty Guidelines by Household Size
These figures took effect January 13, 2026, and apply through the calendar year.1Federal Register. Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines
- 1 person: $15,960
- 2 people: $21,640
- 3 people: $27,320
- 4 people: $33,000
- 5 people: $38,680
- 6 people: $44,360
- 7 people: $50,040
- 8 people: $55,720
For households larger than eight, add $5,680 for each additional person.
Figuring Out Where You Fall
Two inputs decide your position on the scale: who counts as part of your household, and what counts as your income.
Your household generally includes you, your spouse, and any children or dependents who live with you and share financial resources. A roommate who files taxes separately and keeps finances separate usually does not count. Each person you add raises your threshold, so getting the count right matters.
For income, use your gross annual total before taxes or deductions. That covers wages, tips, and self-employment earnings, plus unearned income like Social Security, unemployment, interest, and dividends. Noncash benefits such as housing subsidies and tax credits are generally excluded from poverty calculations.2U.S. Census Bureau. How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty Individual programs define income differently, though, so when in doubt, report everything on your application and let the caseworker decide what counts.
To find your percentage of the poverty level, divide your annual gross income by the guideline for your household size and multiply by 100. A single person earning $23,940 is at 150% of poverty ($23,940 รท $15,960 = 1.50).
What the Poverty Level Means for Michigan Benefits
Few Michigan programs cut off eligibility right at 100% of poverty. Most set the line higher, so your income can exceed the base guideline and still qualify you for help.
Healthy Michigan Plan
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults ages 19 through 64 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level. A 5% income disregard built into the Modified Adjusted Gross Income calculation effectively raises the ceiling to about 138%.3Medicaid.gov. Medicaid, Childrens Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Eligibility Levels Using the 2026 figures, 133% of poverty works out to roughly $21,230 for one person and about $43,890 for a family of four.4State of Michigan. Who Is Eligible – Healthy Michigan Plan You cannot be enrolled in Medicare or another Medicaid program and cannot be pregnant when you apply.5State of Michigan. Health Care Programs Eligibility
If your income is too high for Healthy Michigan, a denial opens a 60-day special enrollment window for subsidized coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, even outside of open enrollment.6CMS: Agent and Brokers FAQ Home. Do Consumers Who Lose Existing Medicaid or CHIP Coverage Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
Michigan’s Food Assistance Program follows the federal SNAP rule that most households must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of poverty and a net monthly income at or below 100%. For a family of four in 2026, that is $3,483 gross and $2,680 net per month.7Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP Eligibility
Michigan also participates in Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which lets the state loosen the standard income and resource limits. Some households above 130% of poverty still qualify. The usual federal resource ceiling is $3,000 in countable assets like cash and bank balances, or $4,500 when a household member is 60 or older or has a disability; your home and most retirement accounts are not counted. Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility can raise or remove these asset limits.7Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP Eligibility Check specifics through MI Bridges or your local MDHHS office.
Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP)
Michigan’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program used to tie eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level. As of October 1, 2025, Michigan law shifted the threshold to 60% of state median income for households served by an electric utility that participates in the low-income energy assistance funding program.8Michigan Legislature. MCL – Section 400.1232 Because the change is recent, confirm current limits with MDHHS or through MI Bridges before you apply.
How to Apply
The fastest route is MI Bridges, the state’s online portal at newmibridges.michigan.gov. You create an account, enter your household and income information, and upload documents like pay stubs, ID, and proof of address directly through the site.9State of Michigan. Applying for Assistance Free help is available from MI Bridges Navigators, trained community partners located around the state. For Medicaid or Healthy Michigan questions, call 1-855-276-4627.10State of Michigan. Apply for Benefits – MI Bridges
If you want paper, download the Assistance Application (MDHHS-1171) from the MDHHS website, complete it along with any supplement forms for the specific programs you want, and bring or mail it to your local MDHHS office. The form is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, with large-print versions.11State of Michigan. Assistance Application MDHHS-1171
Once your application is in, a caseworker reviews it and may schedule an interview to verify details. SNAP interviews are often done by phone. Expect a written decision by mail. SNAP applications must be processed within 30 calendar days under federal rules, and households in extreme financial hardship can receive expedited benefits within 7 days.12eCFR. 7 CFR 273.2 – Office Operations and Application Processing Medicaid takes up to 45 days, or up to 90 days when a disability determination is involved.
If You Are Denied
You can request an administrative hearing if your application is denied or your benefits are cut or ended. For Medicaid, federal rules give you 90 days from the date the denial notice was mailed to file.13eCFR. Subpart E – Fair Hearings for Applicants and Beneficiaries In Michigan, the request is made on form DCH-0018, available from MDHHS or your local office.14State of Michigan. Medicaid Fair Hearings You can represent yourself, bring a lawyer, or have someone else speak for you. Medicaid beneficiaries with questions about the process can call 1-800-648-3397.