Can veterans get a free phone?
Yes. Veterans receiving the VA Veterans or Survivors Pension qualify for free Lifeline phone service, others may qualify by income, and the VA has loaned tablets for telehealth visits. Carriers also offer military and veteran discounts.
- VA disability compensation alone doesn't qualify for Lifeline
- Ask your VA care team about telehealth devices
- Veterans nonprofits provide some donated phones
Free phones for veterans: your options
Free phones for veterans come from three places: Lifeline (through the Veterans or Survivors Pension, or income), the VA's own telehealth device program, and veterans nonprofits.
How do the options compare?
| Source | What you get | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeline via VA Pension | Free monthly phone service | Veterans/Survivors Pension recipients |
| VA telehealth tablets | A loaned tablet for VA video visits | Enrolled veterans who lack a device, via their VA care team |
| Veterans nonprofits | Donated phones, calling support | Varies by organization |
| Carrier military discounts | Discounted plans | Veterans and service members |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
VA telehealth devices
The VA's Office of Connected Care has loaned internet-connected tablets to eligible veterans so they can attend VA Video Connect appointments. Ask your VA provider or social worker whether you qualify.
Carrier military and veteran discounts
Major carriers offer military and veteran discounts on plans, which can stack with iPhone promotions. See Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Protect yourself: Never pay upfront to “unlock” a free government iPhone. If a site asks for card details before checking eligibility, leave it and see our scam guide.
Lifeline eligibility for veterans
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 for Lifeline as a veteran?
- Gather your VA pension letter Or income proof if you qualify by income.
- Choose a Lifeline provider Compare on our provider page.
- Apply through the National Verifier Or on the provider's website.
- Activate your phone Use it at least once every 30 days.
Documents veterans can use
- 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
A VA benefit summary letter from VA.gov is usually the simplest proof of Veterans or Survivors Pension.
Does Veterans pension income offer Lifeline?
The VA's needs-based pension is itself a qualifying program, so you don't need to pass the income test separately. If you receive VA disability compensation instead, use the income table below.
| 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
Does VA disability compensation qualify for a free phone?
Not on its own. The VA pension does, and disability compensation counts toward the income test.
Can veterans get a free iPhone?
Veterans can put an iPhone on a free Lifeline plan or use carrier military discounts with iPhone promotions.
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.