Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers

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Free Wireless Service for Low Income Individuals

Free Government Cell Phones and Wireless Service

The Federal Government Might Qualify You for a Free Cell Phone and Service that includes:

 – Free Monthly Calling   – Free Monthly Data (Internet)   – Free Unlimited Texting

Lifeline Eligibility

Type of Eligibility

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Tribal-specific programs:
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start
  • Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs

The Following are No Longer Acceptable Qualifications to enter into the Program:

  • National School Lunch Program
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • Individual State-created criteria

Learn More Now and Get Approved

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USAC’s website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.

On March 31, 2016, the Commission adopted a comprehensive reform and modernization of the Lifeline Cell Phone Program. In the 2016 Modernization Order, the Commission included broadband as a support service in the program. The Commission also set out minimum service standards for supported services to ensure maximum value for the universal service dollar, and established a National Eligibility Verifier to make independent subscriber eligibility determinations.

Program Rules

Prove your eligibility.
Free Government Phone and Service program is only available to subscribers who can prove their eligibility. When you sign up, you must show proof of participation in a qualifying program or proof of income.

One discount per household.
Only one discount is allowed per household. A “household” is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses.

Stay with your company for a minimum period.
If you use Lifeline for voice service, you must stay with your company for at least 60 days before you can switch to a new wireless company (some exceptions apply). If you use Lifeline for internet or mobile data, you must stay with your company for at least one year before you can switch Lifeline to a new company (some exceptions apply).

Recertify/Renew every year.
If your company asks you to recertify (renew Lifeline), you must do so within 60 days, or you’ll lose your Lifeline discount. Some companies will ask you with a letter, text message, or other, and some companies will recertify/renew your discount automatically.

Use it or lose it.
If your Lifeline-supported service is free, use it at least once every 30 days. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will get turned off.

Keep your company up-to-date.
If you change your address, no longer qualify, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, notify your company within 30 days.

Be honest on your application and forms.
It is against the law to lie on any Lifeline-related forms or questionnaires.

Apply Here for your Free Phone and Service