What should you do first to get a free phone?
Check your eligibility, gather proof of a qualifying benefit or income, then apply through a Lifeline provider or the National Verifier. After approval, use the phone every 30 days and recertify each year to keep it.
- 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
All free phone guides
Practical free phone guides to apply, stay eligible, upgrade and save. Start with how to apply if you're new to Lifeline.
How to Apply for Lifeline
Step-by-step application.
Learn moreProof of Eligibility
Documents that get accepted.
Learn moreTransfer Your Provider
Switch without losing your benefit.
Learn moreUnlock a Government Phone
When and how to unlock.
Learn moreUpgrade to an iPhone
Move free service to an iPhone.
Learn moreReplace a Lost Phone
What to do right away.
Learn moreLifeline vs ACP
How the programs compare.
Learn moreiPhone vs Android
Which free phone to pick.
Learn moreStart here: the 3 most important steps
- Check eligibility Lifeline eligibility checker.
- Prepare documents Proof of eligibility.
- Apply How to apply.
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Rules to keep your free phone
- Use the service every 30 days
- Recertify every year
- Report changes within 30 days
- One benefit per household
Eligibility summary
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.
Which guide do I need?
| Your situation | Read this |
|---|---|
| New to Lifeline | How to apply |
| Asked for documents | Proof of eligibility |
| Unhappy with your provider | Transfer provider |
| Want an iPhone | Upgrade to iPhone |
| Phone lost or stolen | Replace lost phone |
| Were on the ACP | Lifeline vs ACP |
Annual recertification explained
Every year, USAC or your provider asks you to confirm you still qualify. Sometimes it's automatic, when a database shows you still receive a qualifying benefit. Otherwise you'll get a notice by text, mail or email with a deadline, usually 60 days. Respond online, by phone or by mail. If you miss the deadline, your Lifeline service is cancelled, and you'd need to reapply.
Common mistakes that cost people their free phone
| Mistake | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Not using the phone for 30 days | Service is de-enrolled after a notice period | Make a call or send a text weekly |
| Ignoring recertification | Benefit ends | Respond to every USAC or provider notice |
| Two Lifeline services in one household | Duplicate is removed | Complete the household worksheet |
| Giving documents to street agents | Unauthorized enrollment | Apply yourself online or with a trusted provider |
Income limits reference
| 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.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start?
Check your eligibility, then follow the how-to-apply guide.
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.