Who is eligible for Lifeline?
You're eligible for Lifeline if anyone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or a Veterans or Survivors Pension, or if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines (about $21,128 a year for one person).
- Tribal programs also qualify on Tribal lands
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household
- Recertify every year to keep it
Who qualifies for Lifeline
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.
Qualifying through a benefit program
Program-based eligibility is the fastest route. The National Verifier can often confirm your enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid or SSI automatically through state and federal databases. Only one person in the household needs to be enrolled. A child or dependent receiving Medicaid qualifies the household too.
| Program | Qualifies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Yes | Any state SNAP program. See SNAP guide |
| Medicaid | Yes | Including state-named plans. See Medicaid guide |
| SSI | Yes | Not SSDI alone. See SSI guide |
| Federal Public Housing / Section 8 | Yes | Housing guide |
| Veterans / Survivors Pension | Yes | Veterans guide |
| WIC | Only in CA | Or qualify by income. See WIC guide |
| TANF | Tribal TANF / CA | TANF guide |
| SSDI | No | Counts as income instead |
Qualifying through income
If no one in your household receives a qualifying benefit, you can still qualify if total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, unemployment, child support and other money received by every household member.
| 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.
Documents you need
- 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.
After you're approved
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lifeline eligibility based on?
Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans/Survivors Pension, or household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Does WIC qualify for Lifeline?
Not for federal Lifeline on its own. California LifeLine accepts WIC, and many WIC households qualify through the income route instead.
Does unemployment qualify me?
Unemployment benefits are not a qualifying program, but they count as income. If total household income is under the limit, you qualify.
How often do I have to prove eligibility?
Every year. USAC or your provider will ask you to recertify. Miss it and your service ends.
Can two people at the same address get Lifeline?
Only if they are separate households with separate income and expenses. You'll complete a household worksheet to confirm.
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.