Need a Phone but Money Is Tight? Lifeline May Help.
Lifeline is a government program that may help eligible households get free or discounted wireless service and, with some providers, a free phone.
$0 Phone Service
Some providers offer plans with no monthly charge after the Lifeline benefit.
A Free or Discounted Phone
Some providers offer phones, but the phone itself is a provider promotion.
Keep Your Current Phone
In some cases, you may be able to use the phone you already own.
Could You Qualify?
Check in About 60 Seconds.
Many people qualify through programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, public housing, Veterans benefits, Tribal programs, or household income.
You may qualify for Lifeline
- Likely qualification path
- —
- Your reported income
- —
- 2026 income limit
- —
- Income comparison
- —
- Potential Lifeline support
- Up to $9.25/mo
- State
- —
What this could mean for you
If You Qualify, Here Are Real Plans You Can Get
These are published Lifeline plan records from carriers we track. Availability and benefits can vary by state and address, so confirm final terms with the provider.
Filter or sort Lifeline plans
Lifeline Data Boost Plan
- 10GB
- Hotspot: Check plan terms
- Network: Confirm with provider
- Contract: No
California Lifeline Plan - RedPocket
- 20GB
- Hotspot: Check plan terms
- Network: AT&T
- Contract: No
Lifeline Data Boost Plan [CA]
- 25GB
- Hotspot: 0GB
- Network: T-Mobile
- Contract: No
Lifeline Standard Plan [CA]
- 12GB
- Hotspot: Coming soon; charges may apply
- Network: T-Mobile
- Contract: No
Lifeline
- 10GB
- Hotspot: 10GB
- Network: T-Mobile
- Contract: No
California LifeLine
- 12GB
- Hotspot: 12GB
- Network: T-Mobile
- Contract: No
Tribal Lands Lifeline
- 12GB
- Hotspot: 12GB
- Network: T-Mobile
- Contract: No
Compare Selected Lifeline Plans
Side-by-side database details. Provider availability may vary by address.
Free or Discounted Phones From Lifeline Providers
Some providers offer phones to eligible customers. The device offer is separate from the federal Lifeline service benefit and can vary by state, inventory, provider, and eligibility.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
From AirTalk WirelessConfirm price, device condition, service requirement, and availability before applying.
View Offer
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
From AirTalk WirelessConfirm price, device condition, service requirement, and availability before applying.
View Offer
Apple iPhone 12
From AirTalk WirelessConfirm price, device condition, service requirement, and availability before applying.
View OfferHow Lifeline Works
We help you understand the options; the official program and participating provider make the final eligibility and service decisions.
Check Eligibility
Use our private estimate to see whether you may qualify through a program, income, Tribal rules, or survivor rules.
Apply Through the Official Process
If the estimate looks promising, apply through the National Verifier or your applicable state process.
Choose a Participating Provider
Compare the wireless plans and phone offers we track, then verify availability at your address.
Confirm & Activate Service
Your provider confirms eligibility, final plan terms, any device offer, and activation details.
Find Wireless Lifeline Providers Near You
Choose your state to see the wireless companies, verified plans, and phone offers that CheapCellPhones actively tracks.
AirTalk Wireless
- Network
- Provider network
- Coverage
- See provider terms
- Verified plans
- 3
- Phone offers
- 3
Assurance Wireless
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Coverage
- See provider terms
- Verified plans
- 3
- Phone offers
- 0
Red Pocket Mobile
- Network
- AT&T / T-Mobile / Verizon
- Coverage
- See provider terms
- Verified plans
- 1
- Phone offers
- 0
SafeLink Wireless
- Network
- Provider network
- Coverage
- See provider terms
- Verified plans
- 0
- Phone offers
- 0
A provider listed by USAC may not serve every address. Confirm availability and current terms before applying.
Ready to Apply?
Use the official application process. CheapCellPhones does not receive or process your Lifeline application.
Apply online
Use the National Verifier to confirm eligibility.
Apply Online ↗Get provider help
A participating phone or internet company may help with the application.
Find Providers ↗Apply by mail
Use the official Lifeline Support Center mail application instructions.
Mail Instructions ↗Oregon and Texas
Residents of Oregon or Texas use their state application process.
What the Lifeline Benefit Provides
- Monthly service supportUp to $9.25 toward qualifying broadband or bundled service; voice-only support is lower.
- Enhanced Tribal benefitUp to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands.
- One benefit per householdOnly one Lifeline discount is allowed for people sharing income and expenses.
- Annual recertificationYou may have to confirm eligibility every year.
Documents You May Need
- Proof of qualifying-program participation
- Proof of income if qualifying by income
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address or household
One discount per household
A household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household.
Use it or lose it
If you do not pay out of pocket for the service, you generally must use it at least once every 30 days to keep it active.
Annual recertification
USAC or the applicable state may require you to recertify. Missing the deadline can end the benefit.
Free phones are provider offers
Lifeline is a service discount. A free or discounted phone is a separate provider offer and is not guaranteed by the federal program.