ACA Subsidy Calculator for 2026
Estimate your monthly ACA savings in minutes
Estimate Your ACA Premium Tax Credit in Minutes
Use this ACA subsidy calculator to estimate your monthly premium tax credit (APTC). Your subsidy depends on household income, household size, and where you live—so we ask a few quick questions to generate an estimate before you compare plan quotes.
Updated annually using current federal poverty level guidelines. Final subsidy amounts are determined by Healthcare.gov.
How ACA Subsidies Work
Premium Tax Credits
Reduce your monthly health insurance premiums based on your income and household size.
Cost-Sharing Reductions
Lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments if you qualify.
Income Limits
Generally available for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
How ACA Subsidies Are Calculated
ACA subsidies (also called premium tax credits or APTC) are designed to reduce the cost of Marketplace health insurance. The Marketplace compares your household income to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size. It then estimates what you’re expected to pay for a benchmark Silver plan in your area. If the benchmark plan costs more than your expected contribution, the difference is covered by an APTC subsidy.
Because benchmark plan costs vary by location, an accurate estimate needs your ZIP code (to identify the right county) as well as household details such as household size, ages, and tobacco status.
ACA Subsidy Income Limits (2026)
Subsidy eligibility is often described using FPL percentages (for example, 100% to 400%+ of FPL). The table below shows estimated dollar amounts by household size so you can quickly sanity-check your income.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $23,475 | $31,300 | $46,950 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $31,725 | $42,300 | $63,450 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $39,975 | $53,300 | $79,950 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $48,225 | $64,300 | $96,450 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $56,475 | $75,300 | $112,950 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $64,725 | $86,300 | $129,450 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $72,975 | $97,300 | $145,950 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $81,225 | $108,300 | $162,450 | $216,600 |
Estimated income thresholds shown for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Based on the latest published HHS poverty guidelines (ASPE). Last updated: January 2026.
ACA Subsidy Examples
Example: Single adult
Household size: 1
Income: $32,000
This income is around the 200% FPL range for a household of 1, which often qualifies for an APTC subsidy depending on local benchmark plan costs.
Example: Family of 4
Household size: 4
Income: $65,000
This is around the 200% FPL range for a household of 4. Many families in this range can qualify for subsidies, and some may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions depending on plan selection and household details.
Example: Early retiree / self-employed
Household size: 2
Income: $55,000
Self-employed and early retirees often use the Marketplace. Eligibility depends on projected annual income and local benchmark costs; using a county-based estimate can materially change the result.
Why Trust This Calculator?
This tool was built by experienced developers and health insurance professionals who understand the complexities of ACA subsidies. All calculations follow the 2026 federal poverty guidelines and IRS premium tax credit rules, ensuring accurate estimates for your household.
Our calculator uses official federal poverty level data and applies the same methodology used by the federal marketplace to estimate your potential savings. We update our tool annually to reflect the latest guidelines and policy changes.
Common ACA Subsidy Questions (FAQ)
What is an ACA subsidy (premium tax credit)?
An ACA subsidy—also called the Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)—helps lower monthly Marketplace premiums. The amount depends on your household income, household size, and local benchmark plan costs.
Who qualifies for an ACA subsidy?
Eligibility depends on household income relative to FPL, household size, and location. Final eligibility and subsidy amounts are determined by Healthcare.gov.
Do ACA subsidies have to be paid back?
APTC is reconciled at tax time. If your actual income is higher than your estimate, you may repay some of the subsidy. If it’s lower, you may receive additional credit.
Can I get an ACA subsidy if I’m self-employed?
Many self-employed people qualify. The Marketplace looks at projected household income and other eligibility rules.
What happens if my income changes during the year?
Updating your Marketplace application can help keep your monthly subsidy aligned and reduce reconciliation surprises at tax time.