Extra Help for Medicare Part D: Income Limits and How to Apply

What is Extra Help with Medicare Part D?

Extra Help (officially called Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) helps pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. It covers your prescription drug premiums and reduces your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.

Applying is free. Only the Social Security Administration decides if you qualify.

Income limits for Extra Help in 2026

Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The limits depend on how many people are in your household.

For the contiguous United States, the 2026 income limits are:

If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, your income limits are higher. Contact Social Security for those limits.

These limits are based on your gross household income before taxes.

What counts as income?

Income includes:

• Wages and salary
• Social Security benefits
• Pensions and retirement income
• Interest and dividends
• Rental income
• Self-employment income

Some types of income may not count. Ask Social Security about your specific situation.

Resource limits

You also need to have limited resources (assets). [VERIFY: What are the 2026 resource limits for Extra Help?]

How to apply for Extra Help

Step 1: Gather your information

Have ready:

• Your Social Security number
• Your income information (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements)
• Information about your resources and assets
• Your Medicare number (from your Medicare card)

Step 2: Apply online or by mail

You can apply through Social Security at ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help.

You can also apply by mail, phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Step 3: Wait for a decision

Social Security will review your application and send you a decision letter. [VERIFY: What is the typical processing time?]

Step 4: Use your Extra Help

Once approved, you'll get a notice showing your benefit amount. When you enroll in a Medicare Part D plan, tell the plan about your Extra Help so they can apply your benefit.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are enrolled in Medicare Part D
• Have income at or below the limits above
• Have limited resources
• Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant

You must be receiving Medicare to qualify for Extra Help. If you don't have Medicare yet, you may want to enroll in Part D first.

Automatic eligibility

You may be automatically eligible for Extra Help if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain other benefits. In that case, you don't need to apply—Social Security will enroll you automatically.

Your prescription drug coverage

With Extra Help, you typically pay less for:

• Monthly prescription drug plan premiums
• Annual deductibles
• Copayments for each prescription

The exact amount depends on your income level. Lower income means more help with costs.

Keep your benefits current

Your Extra Help benefits may change if your income or resources change. Tell Social Security right away if your situation changes so your benefits stay accurate.