Free Government Phone for Students
Learn how free Government Phone for Students works and whether your household qualifies for free or discounted wireless service through Free Phone Wireless. Most applicants can find out in a few minutes.
Everything You Need to Know
Federal Pell Grant (Current Award Year)
Receiving a Federal Pell Grant for the current award year is a qualifying pathway to Lifeline. For the 2025–26 and 2026–27 award years, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 and the minimum is $740, set by the U.S. Department of Education.
Other Pathways for Students
If you're not a Pell Grant recipient yourself, you may still qualify if your household participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program, or through standard income-based or program-based Lifeline eligibility.
Documents That Work
- Your Pell Grant disbursement notice or financial aid award letter
- A school lunch/breakfast program approval letter, if applying through that pathway
What's included
Simple Qualification
Qualify through income or enrollment in a federal or state assistance program.
One Quick Form
Submit your information once — our team verifies eligibility for you.
Privacy Protected
Your documents are encrypted and used only to confirm eligibility.
What you need to know
- No annual contract or credit check required for most plans
- Coverage across all 50 states on a nationwide LTE/5G network
- U.S.-based customer support by phone, chat, or email
- Fast online application — most decisions in 1–2 business days
Quick eligibility check
Tell us how you qualify and we'll point you to the right next step.
How it works
Check eligibility
Answer a few quick questions or start your application online.
Get verified
Upload or reference your qualifying program or income documentation.
Get connected
Receive your device and activate service — most orders ship within days.
Common questions
You generally qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or someone in your household participates in a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension. Tribal-specific programs may offer additional support.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID and proof of program participation (such as a benefit award letter) or proof of income, like a recent pay stub or tax return.
Most applications are reviewed within one to two business days. You'll receive an email or text update as soon as a decision is made.
Yes. You can transfer your Lifeline benefit to us during your next annual recertification window, or at any time if you are not currently receiving service from another provider.