Free Lifeline Wireless Service for Low Income Individuals
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Based on Your Income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
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.
Update: Safe Connections Act Survivors
Under the Safe Connections Act (SCA), survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes who are experiencing financial hardship are able to qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months.
Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundled services. After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying internet or bundled services or $5.25 per month for voice-only service.
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program if they pursue a line separation request and are experiencing financial hardship. Survivors can confirm their financial hardship by participating in the existing Lifeline eligibility programs or through the following methods:
- Their household income being at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district
- Receipt of a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year