How do you get a free government phone?
Apply for the federal Lifeline program through a participating provider or the National Verifier. If your household gets SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing or a Veterans Pension, or has a low income, you get free monthly service and usually a free smartphone.
- Lifeline gives up to $9.25/month off phone or internet ($34.25 on Tribal lands)
- You qualify with SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing or a Veterans Pension, or with income at or below 135% of the poverty line
- One Lifeline benefit per household; recertify every year
How free government phones work
Behind almost every “free government phone” is Lifeline, an FCC program managed by USAC. It pays participating providers up to $9.25 a month per eligible household (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands). Providers turn that subsidy into free talk, text and data, and many also include a free phone to win your sign-up.
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.
You get a smartphone (or use your own) plus a free monthly plan with talk, text and data. The service stays free as long as you remain eligible, recertify each year and use the phone at least once every 30 days.
What you get?
- Monthly cost
- $0 with most providers
- Phone
- Free smartphone or bring your own
- Talk & text
- Unlimited in many states
- Data
- Varies by provider
- Benefit
- $9.25/mo ($34.25 Tribal)
- Limit
- One per household
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Who is eligible?
There are two routes to eligibility: program-based (you already receive certain benefits) or income-based (your household earns no more than 135% of the poverty guidelines).
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?
- 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.
Documents to have ready
- 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
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.
Choosing the right provider
Providers differ on phone, data, customer service and coverage. Start with our provider comparison, then check coverage at your address. Popular options include Assurance Wireless, SafeLink, Access Wireless and StandUp Wireless.
Keeping your free phone
- Use it every 30 days: a call, text or data session counts.
- Recertify every year when USAC or your provider asks.
- Report changes: tell your provider within 30 days if you no longer qualify.
- Don't sign up twice: duplicates are removed and can end your benefit.
- Lost your phone? See how to replace a lost government phone.
- Want to use it elsewhere? Learn how to unlock a government phone.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free government phone really free?
Yes for most people. The Lifeline discount covers the full cost of many providers' plans. Optional upgrades cost extra.
How long does it take to get a free government phone?
Approval can be instant through the National Verifier. Phones usually arrive within 5–10 business days.
Can I keep my current number?
Yes. You can port your number to a Lifeline provider during sign-up.
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.