Premium Tax Credit Eligibility Guide: Who Qualifies?

Wondering if you qualify for premium tax credits? This eligibility guide covers all requirements for receiving ACA health insurance subsidies. Check your eligibility using our Premium Tax Credit Calculator for instant results.

Premium Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for premium tax credits, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace

Have household income between 100% and 400%+ of the Federal Poverty Level

Not be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or other government coverage

Not have access to affordable employer-sponsored health insurance

File a tax return (and file jointly if married)

Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawfully present non-citizen

Not be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return

Who Does NOT Qualify for Premium Tax Credits

Anyone eligible for Medicare (including those enrolled in Part A only)

Those eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage

Individuals with affordable employer coverage offer

Incarcerated individuals

Those not filing a tax return

Married couples filing separately (with few exceptions)

Check Your Eligibility Now

Enter your information in our Premium Tax Credit Calculator to instantly see if you qualify for ACA subsidies.

Premium Tax Credit Calculator

Premium Tax Credit Income Eligibility

The primary factor determining premium tax credit eligibility is your household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Use our Premium Tax Credit Calculator to determine your FPL percentage.

2024 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

Household Size	100% FPL	400% FPL
1 person	$15,060	$60,240
2 people	$20,440	$81,760
3 people	$25,820	$103,280
4 people	$31,200	$124,800

Special Eligibility Considerations

Employer Coverage Affordability Test

Employer coverage is considered "affordable" if your share of the premium for self-only coverage is less than 8.39% of your household income in 2024. If your employer coverage is unaffordable, you may still qualify for premium tax credits.

Immigration Status

Lawfully present immigrants qualify for premium tax credits through the marketplace. Some immigrants below 100% FPL who are ineligible for Medicaid can still get premium tax credits.

Coverage Gaps

If you experience a life event (marriage, birth, job loss), you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to obtain marketplace coverage with premium tax credits outside of Open Enrollment.

Next Steps After Determining Eligibility

Use the Premium Tax Credit Calculator to estimate your credit amount
Gather required documents (income proof, SSN, etc.)
Apply through HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period
Choose to receive APTC monthly or claim the full premium tax credit at tax time