CHIP Income Limits by State: What You Need to Know
How CHIP income limits work and why they matter
CHIP income limits determine whether your household can enroll in the program, and they vary significantly by state. Each state sets its own limit as a percentage of the federal poverty level — some states cover families earning up to 200% of poverty, others go as high as 400%. Your state's limit is the only one that matters for your family.
Income limits also change year to year, usually in April when the federal poverty guidelines update. If your household income was too high last year, you may fall within the limit this year. The reverse is also true: a raise or additional household member can push you over the threshold.
Most states count only earned income and certain benefits when calculating household size and income. Self-employment income, child support, and tax refunds are typically included. Childcare costs, medical expenses, and work-related costs may reduce your countable income depending on your state's rules.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's CHIP program publishes its current income limit on its Medicaid or CHIP website, usually listed as a percentage of the federal poverty level or as a specific dollar amount.
- Income limits vary widely — a family of four might may have access to in one state at $60,000 annual income but not in another at $50,000.
- You must report your household's actual income from the past 12 months, and most states verify this with tax returns or recent pay stubs.
- If your income changes during the year, you can report the change to your state program and your coverage may adjust without waiting for annual renewal.
Finding your state's specific income limit
Your state's CHIP program website lists the current income limit for your household size. Search "[your state] CHIP income limits" or "[your state] Medicaid CHIP" to find the official page. The limit is usually shown as a dollar amount per month or per year, and broken down by household size (family of one, family of two, and so on).
If you cannot find the limit online, call your state's CHIP program directly. The number is on your state Medicaid website under "Contact Us." Staff can tell you the exact limit for your household size and whether your income falls within it based on the information you provide.
Some states use a simplified income calculation that counts only gross income. Others allow deductions for things like dependent care or work expenses. Ask your state program whether deductions apply to your situation — this can make the difference between may have access to and not may have access to.
How states calculate household income
States count the income of everyone living in your household, including children, even if they have no income themselves. If you are married and file taxes jointly, both spouses' income counts. If you are unmarried and living with a partner, only your income counts unless the partner is the parent or caretaker of a child in the household.
Most states use your income from the past 12 months to determine current may be able to access. If you are newly employed, self-employed, or recently had a major income change, you may need to provide recent pay stubs or tax returns to show your current income. States typically accept the most recent two to four pay stubs as proof of current earnings.
Self-employment income is counted as your net profit (revenue minus business expenses). If you own a business, bring your most recent tax return and a current profit-and-loss statement. Some states will also accept a letter from your accountant showing your expected income for the current year.
Income limits for different household sizes
CHIP income limits scale with household size. A state that covers families up to 250% of the federal poverty level will have a higher dollar limit for a family of four than for a family of one. The federal poverty level for 2024 is approximately $15,060 for an individual and $31,200 for a family of four, but these figures change annually.
To estimate whether your household might may have access to, multiply your state's percentage limit by the federal poverty level for your household size. For example, if your state covers up to 250% of poverty and the poverty level for your family size is $31,200, the income limit would be around $78,000 per year. This is an estimate only — your state's official website has the exact figure.
Some states have different income limits for children and pregnant women. A state might cover children up to 200% of poverty but pregnant women up to 300%. Check your state's website or call the program to confirm the limit for the person you want to enroll.
What happens if your income changes during the year
If your household income increases and you go over the limit, your CHIP coverage will end on a specific date set by your state — usually the end of the month in which you reported the change. You will receive notice before your coverage ends. Some states allow a grace period of 30 to 60 days before termination.
If your income decreases and you fall below the limit, you can report the change and enroll or re-enroll in CHIP. Many states allow you to report income changes online through their Medicaid portal, by phone, or by mail. The sooner you report, the sooner your new coverage can begin.
Keep your state program informed of major changes: job loss, a new job, a household member moving in or out, or a change in the number of dependents. These changes affect your income calculation and your may be able to access. Your state will ask for documentation — usually recent pay stubs, a termination letter, or a birth certificate for a new household member.
State-by-state income limit ranges
CHIP income limits fall into broad categories across states. Some states cover children in families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Others cover up to 250%, 300%, or even 400% of poverty. A handful of states have limits below 200%.
The following table shows the general range of income limits by state grouping. These are approximate and change annually. For your exact state and the current year's limit, visit your state's official CHIP or Medicaid website.
| Income Limit Range | Example States | Approximate Annual Income Limit for Family of Four (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 200% of poverty | Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi | Around $62,400 |
| 200–250% of poverty | Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Ohio | Around $62,400–$78,000 |
| 250–300% of poverty | California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania | Around $78,000–$93,600 |
| 300%+ of poverty | Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont | Around $93,600 and above |
These ranges are for reference only. Your state's actual limit may differ, and limits change each year. Always check your state's official website for the current figure.
Documents you will need to verify your income
When you enroll in CHIP or report an income change, your state will ask for proof of your household's income. The most common documents are recent pay stubs (usually the last two to four weeks), a recent tax return, or a letter from your employer stating your current income and employment status.
If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return and a current profit-and-loss statement or bank statements showing business income. If you receive benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or child support, bring the benefit statement or award letter showing the monthly amount.
If you have no income or very low income, you may need to provide a statement from your employer saying you are not currently employed, or a letter explaining your situation. Some states accept a signed statement from you if you have no income documentation available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enroll in CHIP if my income is slightly over the limit?
No. CHIP income limits are firm — if your household income exceeds your state's limit, you do not may have access to for CHIP. However, you may may have access to for Medicaid, which has higher income limits in most states. Contact your state Medicaid program to explore other coverage options.
Do I have to report a small raise or bonus to my CHIP program?
Yes. You should report any significant change in income, including a raise or bonus. What counts as "significant" varies by state — some require reporting any change, while others have a threshold (for example, $100 per month). Call your state program to ask what changes you must report.
What if my income varies month to month because I work seasonal or part-time jobs?
Most states average your income over the past 12 months to determine may be able to access. If you work seasonal work or have variable hours, provide pay stubs from the entire past year so your state can calculate an accurate average. This often results in a lower countable income than your highest-earning month.
If I lose my job, how quickly can I enroll in CHIP?
You can report a job loss to your state program immediately. Your new, lower income may make you may be able to access for CHIP. Most states process income changes within 7 to 30 days, though some are faster. Bring your termination letter or a statement from your employer showing your last day of work.
Does my state count child support or alimony as income for CHIP?
Yes, most states count child support and alimony as household income. If you receive these payments, include them in your income calculation. If you are supposed to receive them but do not, ask your state program whether you can exclude them — policies vary.