What documents do you need for Lifeline?
You need proof of a qualifying benefit (such as a SNAP or Medicaid letter) or proof of income (such as a tax return or three pay stubs), plus ID and proof of address if asked. Documents must show your name, the program or income, and a recent date.
- Proof must be dated within the last 12 months
- Upload clear photos; never mail originals
- Often the National Verifier confirms benefits automatically
What counts as Lifeline proof of eligibility?
Lifeline proof of eligibility is a document showing that you (or someone in your household) take part in a qualifying program, or that your household income is under the limit. You only need it if the National Verifier can't confirm your eligibility automatically.
Program proof
| Program | Accepted documents |
|---|---|
| SNAP | Benefit or approval letter, recertification notice |
| Medicaid | Medicaid card or approval letter |
| SSI | SSI award letter or benefit statement |
| Public Housing | Housing authority lease, notice of rent, HUD 50058 |
| Veterans Pension | VA award letter or benefit summary |
Not sure which option fits you?
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Income proof
- Prior year's state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from an employer, or three consecutive months of pay stubs
- Social Security, Veterans or retirement/pension benefit statement
- Unemployment or workers' compensation statement
- Divorce decree, child support award or other official income document
Identity and address
- 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
What every document must show
- Your name, or your dependent's name for program proof
- The name of the program or the income amount
- The issuing agency or organization
- A date within the last 12 months, or a future expiration date
Black out unneeded sensitive numbers (like full account numbers) before uploading, but keep your name, program and dates visible.
What are the 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.
Uploading documents that get approved
- Use good light Photograph on a dark, flat surface with no glare.
- Capture the whole page All four corners visible, text readable.
- Include every page needed If the name is on page 1 and dates on page 2, upload both.
- Check the file JPG, PNG or PDF, clear and not blurry.
Household worksheet
If someone else at your address already gets Lifeline, you'll fill in a short household worksheet showing whether you share income and expenses. Separate households at the same address can each get Lifeline.
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.
Documents that are usually rejected
- Screenshots cropped so the name or date is missing
- Documents older than 12 months with no future expiry
- Benefit letters for someone outside your household
- Handwritten notes or self-made statements of income
- Bank statements alone (they don't prove program participation)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my EBT card as proof?
Sometimes, but a SNAP benefit letter is more reliable.
Do I need to send original documents?
No. Upload clear photos or scans, or mail copies. Never mail originals.
How recent must documents be?
Generally within the last 12 months.
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.