Eligibility · 6 min read · Updated Feb 10, 2026

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.

Two ways to qualify

Most applicants qualify one of two ways: by already participating in a qualifying government assistance program, or by having a household income at or below a set guideline. You only need to meet one of the two.

Qualifying programs

SNAP, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, and SSI
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
WIC in participating states
Tribal-specific programs including TANF and BIA General Assistance

Income-based eligibility

If you don't participate in a qualifying program, you may still be eligible based on household income. Free Phone Wireless reviews income-based applications for households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.

Not sure where you stand?

You don't have to figure this out alone. Our eligibility checker walks you through both paths in a couple of minutes and tells you what documentation you'll need next.