What free phone programs are available?
The main program is federal Lifeline, which discounts phone or internet service for eligible households. California LifeLine and Oregon Lifeline add state support, Tribal Lifeline and Link Up help residents of Tribal lands, and the ACP ended in 2024.
- 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
Every program in one list
These are the programs that lower the cost of a phone or phone service in the US. Some pay for service (Lifeline), some for connection fees (Link Up), and some are financing or discount programs. Start with Lifeline if your household has a low income or receives benefits.
Lifeline Program
The federal program behind free government phones.
Learn moreLifeline Eligibility
Who qualifies, plus our free checker.
Learn moreCalifornia LifeLine
California's extra support and wider eligibility.
Learn moreTribal Lifeline
Up to $34.25/month on Tribal lands.
Learn moreLink Up
Up to $100 off connection fees on Tribal lands.
Learn moreAffordable Connectivity Program
What happened to the ACP and alternatives.
Learn moreApple Student Discount
What education pricing covers.
Learn moreNo-Credit Payment Plans
Financing options compared.
Learn moreQualify by Benefit
SNAP, Medicaid, SSI and more.
Learn moreWhich program is right for you?
| Your situation | Start here |
|---|---|
| Receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing or VA pension | Lifeline |
| Live in California | California LifeLine |
| Live on Tribal lands | Tribal Lifeline + Link Up |
| Were on the ACP | ACP status & alternatives |
| Student | Student options |
| Don't qualify for assistance | Switch deals or payment plans |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Lifeline eligibility summary
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 the programs fit together
Lifeline is the foundation: a monthly discount on one service per household. State programs such as California LifeLine add money on top. Tribal Lifeline increases the monthly support on Tribal lands, and Link Up reduces start-up costs there. The ACP used to add a separate internet discount, but it ended in 2024.
Programs pay for service, not phones. The phone you receive, or the iPhone you bring, is between you and the provider.
Programs that can't give you a free iPhone
No program listed here buys you a new iPhone. Lifeline and its state and Tribal add-ons pay for monthly service. Link Up cuts setup costs. Financing and education pricing reduce what you pay but don't make a device free.
The free iPhone routes that do exist sit on top of these programs: bring your own iPhone to a free Lifeline plan, take a Lifeline provider's discounted iPhone upgrade, or use a carrier switch or trade-in promotion. Our free government iPhone guide explains how they combine.
Documents most programs ask for
- 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the main free phone program?
Lifeline, the FCC's program run by USAC.
Can I use more than one program?
State programs like California LifeLine work together with federal Lifeline, but you still get only one Lifeline benefit per household.
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.