Lifeline Eligibility: Who Qualifies for a Free Government Phone?

Which government programs qualify for Lifeline?

Participation in any one of these programs qualifies your household:

• SNAP (food stamps / EBT)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
• Tribal programs for residents of Tribal lands
• Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines

Can I qualify for Lifeline based on income?

Yes. If your total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you qualify even if you don't receive benefits. Proof might include a prior year's tax return, three consecutive months of pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment benefit statement.

See the income eligibility guide for details.

What does 'one Lifeline per household' mean?

A household is any individual or group of people who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Roommates who don't share expenses can be separate households. Each household can receive only one Lifeline benefit — from any provider — at a time.

What documents prove eligibility?

• Benefit award letter or approval letter (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing, VA)
• Benefit statement or card showing your name and current date
• For income: tax return, 3 months of pay stubs, Social Security statement, or unemployment/workers' comp statement
• A government-issued photo ID may also be requested

Many applicants are approved instantly through automatic database checks by the National Verifier.

Can a child's benefits qualify my household?

Yes. If a child or dependent in your household participates in a qualifying program (for example, Medicaid), your household qualifies. The FCC allows a dependent's participation to qualify the household.