Is the free government phone program available in every state?
Yes. Lifeline is available in all 50 states, Washington DC and US territories. California and Oregon add state support, and residents of Tribal lands can get enhanced support of up to $34.25 a month.
- 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
Find your state
Lifeline works the same way nationally, but benefit names, state add-on programs, Tribal lands and coverage differ from state to state. Pick yours:
State-by-state overview
| State | Medicaid name | SNAP | Extra support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Alaska | Alaska Medicaid (DenaliCare) | SNAP | Yes |
| Arizona | AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid) | Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) | Yes |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Medicaid (ARHOME) | SNAP | — |
| California | Medi-Cal | CalFresh (California's SNAP) | CA LifeLine |
| Colorado | Health First Colorado | SNAP | — |
| Connecticut | HUSKY Health | SNAP | — |
| Delaware | Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan) | Food Supplement Program (SNAP) | — |
| Florida | Florida Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Georgia | Georgia Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Hawaii | Med-QUEST | SNAP | — |
| Idaho | Idaho Medicaid | Food Stamps (SNAP) | Yes |
| Illinois | Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois) | SNAP benefits | — |
| Indiana | Indiana Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise / HIP) | SNAP | — |
| Iowa | Iowa Medicaid | Food Assistance (SNAP) | — |
| Kansas | KanCare | Food Assistance (SNAP) | — |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Louisiana | Healthy Louisiana | SNAP | — |
| Maine | MaineCare | Food Supplement (SNAP) | — |
| Maryland | Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice) | SNAP | — |
| Massachusetts | MassHealth | SNAP | — |
| Michigan | Michigan Medicaid (Healthy Michigan Plan) | Food Assistance | — |
| Minnesota | Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) | SNAP | Yes |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Missouri | MO HealthNet | Food Stamps (SNAP) | — |
| Montana | Montana Medicaid | SNAP | Yes |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health) | SNAP | — |
| Nevada | Nevada Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| New Hampshire | NH Medicaid | Food Stamps (SNAP) | — |
| New Jersey | NJ FamilyCare | SNAP | — |
| New Mexico | Turquoise Care (New Mexico Medicaid) | SNAP | Yes |
| New York | New York Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| North Carolina | NC Medicaid | Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) | Yes |
| North Dakota | ND Medicaid | SNAP | Yes |
| Ohio | Ohio Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Oklahoma | SoonerCare | SNAP | Yes |
| Oregon | Oregon Health Plan | SNAP | Oregon Lifeline |
| Pennsylvania | Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid) | SNAP | — |
| Rhode Island | RIte Care / Rhode Island Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| South Carolina | Healthy Connections (SC Medicaid) | SNAP | — |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Medicaid | SNAP | Yes |
| Tennessee | TennCare | SNAP | — |
| Texas | Texas Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Utah | Utah Medicaid | SNAP | Yes |
| Vermont | Green Mountain Care (Dr. Dynasaur for kids) | 3SquaresVT (Vermont's SNAP) | — |
| Virginia | Cardinal Care (Virginia Medicaid) | SNAP | — |
| Washington | Apple Health (Washington Medicaid) | Basic Food (Washington's SNAP) | Yes |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Medicaid | SNAP | — |
| Wisconsin | BadgerCare Plus | FoodShare Wisconsin | Yes |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Medicaid | SNAP | Yes |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
States with extra programs
California LifeLine and Oregon Lifeline add state money on top of federal support. States with large Tribal lands, such as Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and South Dakota, have many residents eligible for enhanced Tribal Lifeline.
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.
How do you apply in any state?
- 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
Is Lifeline available in every state?
Yes. It's available in all 50 states, DC and US territories.
Do some states give more?
Yes. California and Oregon add state support, and Tribal lands get enhanced federal support.
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.