Lifeline
Learn how lifeline 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
Lifeline Eligibility Criteria
You can qualify for Lifeline one of two ways: your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you (or someone in your household) participates in a qualifying assistance program. You only need to meet one of the two — not both.
- Income-based: household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size
- Program-based: participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), or the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- On Tribal lands, additional programs also qualify, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
2026 Income Guidelines (135% of FPG)
For the 48 contiguous states and D.C., 2026 annual household income at or below the amounts below qualifies by income (Alaska and Hawaii use separate, higher guidelines):
- 1 person: $21,546 · 2 people: $29,214 · 3 people: $36,882
- 4 people: $44,550 · 5 people: $52,218 · 6 people: $59,886
- 7 people: $67,554 · 8 people: $75,222 · add $7,668 for each additional person
Required Documents
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
- A current benefit award letter if qualifying by program, or recent pay stubs / a tax return if qualifying by income
- Your current mailing address, so your provider can confirm service availability and ship a device if applicable
What the Benefit Covers
Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month toward phone or internet service — up to $34.25 per month on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit applies to phone service or internet service, but not both at the same time, and it's limited to one benefit per household, verified through the National Lifeline Accountability Database.
How to Apply
You can apply online through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, by mail, or directly through a participating provider like Free Phone Wireless (Texas and Oregon residents use their state's own application process). Most applications are reviewed within one to two business days, and you'll need to recertify your eligibility once a year to keep the benefit active.
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.
From Our Guides
What Is Lifeline? A Complete Overview
A plain-English introduction to the FCC's Lifeline program: what it covers, who runs it, and how it differs from a typical prepaid plan.
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How Lifeline Works: From Application to Activation
Curious how the Lifeline benefit actually reaches your phone bill? Here's the full path from application to your first activated month of service.
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Lifeline Eligibility Guide: Do You Qualify?
There are two paths to Lifeline eligibility — program-based and income-based. Here's how each one works and how to figure out which applies to you.
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