What is the Lifeline program?
Lifeline is a federal FCC program, run by USAC, that gives eligible low-income households up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service ($34.25 on Tribal lands). Many providers use it to offer free smartphone plans.
- 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
- Use your service at least once every 30 days
How the Lifeline program works
The Lifeline program is a federal benefit that makes phone and internet service affordable for low-income households. It was created in 1985, expanded to cover wireless service in 2008 and to broadband in 2016. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the rules, and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) runs it day to day.
Lifeline is a federal program, created in 1985 and run by the FCC through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for low-income households. The benefit is a discount of up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. Many wireless providers set their Lifeline plans so the discount covers the whole bill. That is how people end up with a free phone and free monthly service.
The government does not buy the handset. Providers decide which phones they give out, which is why models vary so much between companies and states.
What are the key facts about Lifeline?
- Monthly benefit
- Up to $9.25
- Tribal lands
- Up to $34.25
- Income limit
- 135% of FPG
- Per household
- One benefit
- Recertify
- Every year
- Use it or lose it
- Every 30 days
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Who is eligible?
You qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways: someone in your household takes part in a qualifying assistance program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal 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.
For a detailed check, use the Lifeline eligibility checker.
What does Lifeline cover?
| Service | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless phone service | Yes | Most common. Often free talk, text and data |
| Home internet (broadband) | Yes | From participating ISPs |
| Bundled voice + internet | Yes | Discount applies to the bundle |
| Landline only | Limited | Voice-only support has been phased down |
| The phone itself | No | Phones are provided by the provider, not the program |
How do you apply for Lifeline?
- 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.
Documents
- 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.
Keeping your Lifeline benefit
- Use your service at least once every 30 days (call, text, data or top-up).
- Recertify annually when asked by USAC or your provider.
- Report changes within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
- Keep your address current, which matters for coverage and Tribal benefits.
Want to change companies? See how to transfer your Lifeline provider.
Lifeline in your state
Lifeline is available in every state, plus DC and the US territories. Some states add their own support, including California LifeLine. Pick your state:
Frequently asked questions
Is Lifeline the same as the Obama Phone?
Yes. “Obama Phone” is a nickname for Lifeline wireless service. See the Obama Phone explained.
Is Lifeline free?
Lifeline is a discount of up to $9.25/month. Many wireless providers set plans so that the discount covers the whole cost, making it free to you.
How long can I keep Lifeline?
As long as you remain eligible, use the service and recertify every year.
Can I get Lifeline and still have another phone?
Yes, but only one Lifeline-discounted service is allowed 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.