Can you get a free iPhone with Medicaid?
Yes. Receiving Medicaid qualifies your whole household for Lifeline free phone service. You can use the free service on an iPhone you own, or take the provider's phone and upgrade later.
- Lifeline gives up to $9.25/month off phone or internet ($34.25 on Tribal lands)
- Government programs pay for service, not new iPhones
- Apply through a provider or the National Verifier
Does Medicaid qualify you for a free phone?
Yes, Medicaid qualifies. Medicaid is one of the federal Lifeline qualifying programs.
Medicaid qualifies your whole household for Lifeline, including when only a child or dependent is enrolled. That makes it one of the easiest routes to free phone service.
State Medicaid names all count
Medi-Cal, MassHealth, TennCare, SoonerCare, AHCCCS, BadgerCare, Apple Health and every other state Medicaid program qualify. CHIP-only coverage generally does not count as Medicaid for Lifeline. See your state on our state guides.
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How do you get a free iPhone with Medicaid?
The money behind an iPhone comes from Lifeline, a federal benefit administered by USAC under FCC rules. Each qualifying household can put a $9.25/month discount on one phone or internet service, or $34.25/month on eligible Tribal lands. Because a basic wireless plan costs providers less than that, most Lifeline plans are free to you.
The government does not buy the handset. Providers decide which phones they give out, which is why models vary so much between companies and states.
Once you're approved, you have three iPhone routes: bring an unlocked iPhone you own, buy a cheap refurbished iPhone and add your free Lifeline SIM, or pay a provider's upgrade fee for an iPhone where offered. See free government iPhone for current models.
What proof can you use?
- Medicaid card or approval letter
- A current Medicaid statement from your state
- Managed care plan letter showing Medicaid coverage
The National Verifier often confirms participation automatically. Upload proof only if asked. The document must show your name (or your dependent's), the program name, the issuing agency and a current date.
What are the full eligibility rules?
Eligibility is simple on paper. Either you are enrolled in a qualifying benefit program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line.
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| 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.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
How do you apply with Medicaid?
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose a Lifeline provider that serves your area. Compare phones, data and coverage on our provider comparison.
- Apply through the National Verifier Apply on the provider's site or at checklifeline.org. Many applications are approved automatically by database checks.
- Upload proof if asked If the automatic check can't confirm you, upload a benefit letter or income proof. See documents you need.
- Activate your phone or SIM Your phone or SIM ships in about a week. Activate it and use it at least once every 30 days so the service isn't cancelled for non-usage.
One Lifeline benefit per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. Two families sharing an address can each get Lifeline if they keep separate finances, which is confirmed on a household worksheet.
What are other ways to qualify?
Qualify through a different benefit, or by income:
Free 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 moreFrequently asked questions
Does CHIP qualify for Lifeline?
Generally no. CHIP-only coverage isn't one of the qualifying programs, but you may qualify by income.
Does Medicare qualify?
No, Medicare alone doesn't qualify. People with both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) qualify through Medicaid.
How long does approval take with Medicaid?
Often minutes if the National Verifier confirms it automatically, or a few days if you upload documents.
Can I get a new iPhone free with Medicaid?
Government programs pay for service, not new iPhones. New iPhones are free only through carrier promotions, but you can put any compatible iPhone on your free plan.
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.