SAI reference tables (2026-27)
The published allowance, assessment and Pell tables behind the formula.
These are the official 2026-27 tables behind the FAFSA Student Aid Index: the income protection allowance by household size, the asset conversion rates, the assessment schedule, the maximum ($7,395) and minimum ($740) Pell Grant, and the prior-prior-year HHS poverty guidelines used for the automatic Pell pathways. Every figure is from US Department of Education and Federal Register sources.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. Data as of June 2026.
Key constants (2026-27)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Pell Grant | $7,395 |
| Minimum Pell Grant | $740 |
| Pell ineligibility (SAI at or above) | $14,790 |
| SAI floor (minimum SAI) | -$1,500 |
| Dependent student IPA | $11,770 |
| Employment expense allowance | 35% of earnings, max $5,000 |
| Asset protection allowance | $0 (eliminated) |
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. Data as of June 2026.
All tables
Parent and independent-student IPA tables by household size.
SAI to Pell GrantThe scheduled Pell award at every SAI level.
Poverty guidelinesThe 2024 HHS guidelines used for the automatic Pell pathways.
Use the tables live in the SAI calculator and Pell calculator.
Last updated: 2026-06-22