Have your ID and your proof of benefit or income ready before you start. The steps below show who qualifies, what to send, and how to keep the benefit once you have it.
What Lifeline Is
Lifeline is a federal program created in 1985, overseen by the FCC and run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
It does not hand out phones directly. It pays a monthly discount to the phone or internet company you choose, and many wireless carriers use that discount to offer a free plan plus a free smartphone.
What You Get
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Internet or bundled phone + internet | Up to $9.25 off per month |
| Voice-only service | Up to $5.25 off per month |
| Households on qualifying Tribal lands | Up to $34.25 off per month |
| Smartphone | Offered by many carriers, varies by state |
The phone is usually an entry-level Android. The model depends on the carrier and on stock, and some carriers offer upgrades for a fee.
Who Qualifies
You only need to meet one of these.
1. Through a benefit program
You or someone in your household takes part in:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- On Tribal lands: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start (income-based)
2. Through income
Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| People in household | 2026 annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 |
| 2 | $29,214 |
| 3 | $36,882 |
| 4 | $44,550 |
| 5 | $52,218 |
| 6 | $59,886 |
| 7 | $67,554 |
| 8 | $75,222 |
| Each additional person | + $7,668 |
Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
3. Survivor benefit
Survivors of domestic violence and related crimes who have separated their phone line from an abuser’s plan can get up to six months of emergency support, with a higher income limit.
The One-Per-Household Rule
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A household is a group of people who live at the same address and share income and expenses.
Two families at the same address who do not share money can each apply, using the household worksheet in the application.
What You’ll Need
- A government photo ID
- Your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number, or a Tribal ID
- Your home address (a shelter or a descriptive address is accepted)
- Proof of benefit: an award letter, approval notice or benefit statement with your name and a recent date
- Or proof of income: last year’s tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Check your eligibilityUse the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org. It checks government databases, and many people are approved on the spot. If it can’t confirm you automatically, it will ask for documents.
- Pick a participating carrierUse the “Companies Near Me” tool on the official site and compare data allowance, coverage and whether a phone is included.
- Send your documentsUpload clear photos or scans. Blurry, cropped or expired documents are the most common reason for delays.
- Enroll with the carrierApproval from the National Verifier is not enrollment. You have to sign up with a carrier, usually within 90 days of approval.
- Activate your phone and serviceThe carrier ships your phone or SIM card. Follow its instructions to turn on the line.
You can also apply by mail with a paper form, or directly through a carrier that handles the application for you. California, Oregon and Texas use their own application process, so residents should start with their state program or a carrier.
Carriers That Take Part in Lifeline
Availability changes by state and ZIP code. Check each carrier’s site for current plans and phones.
| Carrier | Where it works | Phone included |
|---|---|---|
| Assurance Wireless | Many states | Offered in many areas |
| SafeLink Wireless | Many states | Offered in many areas |
| Access Wireless | Several states | Varies by state |
| TruConnect | Several states | Varies by state |
| Life Wireless | Several states | Varies by state |
How to Keep Your Benefit
- Recertify every year. You will get a notice. If you don’t respond, you lose the benefit.
- Use your service. If your plan is free, use it at least once every 30 days or the line can be shut off.
- Report changes. Tell your carrier within 30 days if you move, lose eligibility, or someone else in your household gets Lifeline.
- Switching is allowed. You can transfer your benefit to another carrier at any time.
Common Questions
Is it really free?
The application is always free. Whether your service is free depends on the plan. Many wireless plans are fully covered by the discount.
Can I get an iPhone?
Carriers choose the devices. Most give a basic Android phone. An iPhone is not guaranteed and is uncommon.
How long does it take?
Online approval can be immediate. If documents need review, it can take a few days. Shipping usually takes one to two weeks.
Can I keep my number?
In most cases yes. Ask the carrier to port it when you enroll.
What happened to the ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024. Lifeline is a separate program and is still active.
Avoid Scams
Nobody can charge you to apply for Lifeline. Give your personal information only on the official site or to a carrier you have checked on the official company list. If you need help, call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473.
Informational content. We are not part of any government agency or phone carrier. Eligibility is decided by the official Lifeline program. Amounts and rules reflect 2026 and may change.