Lifeline Eligibility Rules
Find out if you qualify for free government phone service.
Two Ways to Qualify
You can qualify for Lifeline if your income is low enough OR if you participate in certain government assistance programs.
Method 1: Program Participation
This is the most common way to qualify. If you or someone in your household participates in one of these programs, you are eligible:
- SNAP / Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Method 2: Income-Based
You can also qualify if your household's total annual income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Note: You will need to show proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, if you apply using this method.
Tribal Lands Eligibility
Residents of Federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify under additional programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- FDPIR
- Tribal Head Start (income qualifying)