Income protection allowance (2026-27)
The IPA tables that shelter income before the SAI is assessed.
The income protection allowance (IPA) shelters part of income for basic living costs before the FAFSA assesses a contribution. For 2026-27, parents of a dependent student receive an IPA from $29,190 (household of two) to $61,930 (six), plus $6,990 per additional member. A dependent student's own IPA is a flat $11,770. Independent students use their own tables below.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. Data as of June 2026.
Parents of a dependent student (Table A2)
| Household size (incl. student) | IPA |
|---|---|
| 2 | $29,190 |
| 3 | $36,330 |
| 4 | $44,880 |
| 5 | $52,950 |
| 6 | $61,930 |
| each additional | +$6,990 |
Source: Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2026-27 Award Year, 90 FR 23922 (June 5, 2025). Data as of June 2026.
Independent student with dependents - married (Table C2)
| Household size (incl. student) | IPA |
|---|---|
| 3 | $57,730 |
| 4 | $71,280 |
| 5 | $84,120 |
| 6 | $98,370 |
| each additional | +$11,110 |
Source: Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2026-27 Award Year, 90 FR 23922 (June 5, 2025). Data as of June 2026.
Independent student with dependents - single (Table C3)
| Household size (incl. student) | IPA |
|---|---|
| 2 | $54,950 |
| 3 | $68,430 |
| 4 | $84,480 |
| 5 | $99,700 |
| 6 | $116,590 |
| each additional | +$13,180 |
Source: Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2026-27 Award Year, 90 FR 23922 (June 5, 2025). Data as of June 2026.
Flat allowances
| Student type | IPA |
|---|---|
| Dependent student | $11,770 |
| Independent, no dependents (unmarried) | $18,310 |
| Independent, no dependents (married) | $29,350 |
Source: Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2026-27 Award Year, 90 FR 23922 (June 5, 2025). Data as of June 2026.
These allowances feed the SAI calculator. See family size for how household size is counted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income protection allowance?
The IPA is the portion of income the FAFSA shelters for basic living expenses before assessing a contribution. A larger IPA means less available income and a lower Student Aid Index.
Does number in college change the IPA?
No longer. Under the new SAI, the parents' IPA depends only on household size; the old adjustment for the number of family members in college was removed.
What is the dependent student IPA for 2026-27?
A flat $11,770. Independent students without dependents get $18,310 (unmarried) or $29,350 (married); independent students with dependents use the household-size tables above.
Sources
Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2026-27 Award Year, 90 FR 23922 (June 5, 2025) and the U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. Data as of June 2026 for 2026-27. General information, not financial-aid advice. Verify at studentaid.gov.
Last updated: 2026-06-22