Which benefits qualify you for a free phone?
SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8) and the Veterans or Survivors Pension qualify you for Lifeline. On Tribal lands, BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR and Tribal Head Start also qualify.
- WIC and regular TANF don't qualify federally (California accepts them)
- SSDI alone doesn't qualify but counts as income
- One household member enrolled is enough
Which benefit programs qualify
Getting a free phone by benefit program is the fastest way to qualify for Lifeline, because the National Verifier can often confirm your enrollment automatically. Here is how each common program is treated:
| Benefit | Qualifies for federal Lifeline? |
|---|---|
| SNAP | Yes |
| Medicaid | Yes |
| SSI | Yes |
| WIC | No (CA only) |
| Veterans Benefits | Yes |
| Public Housing | Yes |
| TANF | Tribal TANF only |
| EBT | Depends |
| Disability | Depends |
Guides by benefit
Free iPhone with SNAP
SNAP is the most common way people qualify for Lifeline.
Learn moreFree iPhone with Medicaid
Medicaid qualifies your whole household for Lifeline, including when only a child or dependent is enrolled.
Learn moreFree iPhone with SSI
Supplemental Security Income qualifies you for Lifeline.
Learn moreFree iPhone with WIC
WIC does not qualify you for federal Lifeline on its own, which surprises many families.
Learn moreFree iPhone with Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses who receive the VA's needs-based Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension qualify for Lifeline.
Learn moreFree iPhone with Public Housing
If you live in public housing or receive Section 8 or another federal housing subsidy, your household qualifies for Lifeline.
Learn moreFree iPhone with TANF
Regular state TANF is not on the federal Lifeline list, but Tribal TANF is (for residents of Tribal lands).
Learn moreFree iPhone with EBT
EBT is the card used to deliver SNAP and some cash benefits.
Learn moreFree iPhone with Disability
There's no Lifeline category for disability itself, but most people with disabilities qualify through SSI, Medicaid or the income limit.
Learn moreNot sure which option fits you?
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No qualifying benefit? Check income
If none of these apply, you can still qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
How do you prove you receive a benefit?
The National Verifier checks many state and federal databases automatically. If it can't confirm your enrollment, upload a document that shows the beneficiary's name, the program name, the agency that issued it, and a date within the last 12 months (or a future expiration date).
- A current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension), or
- Income proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
- Government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Proof of address if your ID shows a different one (utility bill or lease)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal ID number
Benefits that don't count, and what to do instead
| Benefit | Why it doesn't qualify | Try instead |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment insurance | Not a listed program | Income route: it counts as income |
| SSDI | Not a listed program | Income route or Medicaid |
| Medicare only | Not a listed program | Medicaid (if dual eligible) or income |
| CHIP only | Not Medicaid for Lifeline | Income route |
| LIHEAP | Not federally listed | California LifeLine accepts it |
Tribal programs
On Tribal lands, BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR and Tribal Head Start also qualify, with an enhanced benefit. See Tribal Lifeline.
Frequently asked questions
Which benefit is easiest for getting a free phone?
SNAP and Medicaid, because they're usually confirmed automatically.
Do I need more than one benefit?
No. One qualifying program for one household member is enough.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.