How do you get a free government phone in Wisconsin?
Apply for Lifeline through a provider that serves Wisconsin. You qualify if your household gets FoodShare Wisconsin, BadgerCare Plus, SSI, public housing or a Veterans Pension, or has income at or below 135% of the poverty line. Residents of Tribal lands can get enhanced support of up to $34.25/month.
- Medicaid in Wisconsin: BadgerCare Plus
- Service is free with most Lifeline providers
- Confirm providers for your ZIP code with USAC
How do free government phones work in Wisconsin?
Whether you live in Madison, Milwaukee or a rural county, Wisconsin households that qualify for Lifeline can get free phone service and, in most cases, a free smartphone. Here's how eligibility works in Wisconsin and which providers to compare.
Wisconsin has 11 federally recognized Tribes, and eligible Tribal residents can receive enhanced Lifeline support.
Who qualifies in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you qualify if anyone in your household takes part in one of these programs, known locally by these names:
| Federal program | What it's called in Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| SNAP | FoodShare Wisconsin |
| Medicaid | BadgerCare Plus |
| SSI | Supplemental Security Income (Social Security Administration) |
| Federal Public Housing | Public housing and Section 8 through Wisconsin housing authorities |
| Veterans Pension | VA Veterans or Survivors Pension |
You also qualify by income if your household earns no more than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines:
| 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.
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
How does Tribal Lifeline work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin residents living on federally recognized Tribal lands can receive enhanced Lifeline support of up to $34.25 a month, plus one-time Link Up help with connection fees from qualifying providers. Tribal programs that qualify include: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
See Tribal Lifeline for how the enhanced benefit works.
Which Lifeline providers serve Wisconsin?
These Lifeline brands operate in many states. Confirm that each one serves Wisconsin and your ZIP code using USAC's Companies Near Me tool at lifelinesupport.org before you apply.
Don't qualify? Carriers like Boost Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile run free-phone switch deals in Wisconsin.
How do you get a free iPhone in Wisconsin?
Most Lifeline phones handed out in Wisconsin are Android models. To use an iPhone, bring an unlocked one you own, or buy a refurbished iPhone, and add a free Lifeline SIM or eSIM.
How do you apply in Wisconsin?
- 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 to have ready
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a free government phone in Wisconsin?
Check you qualify through FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, SSI, housing assistance or income, choose a Lifeline provider serving Wisconsin, and apply through the National Verifier or the provider's website.
What is Medicaid called in Wisconsin?
BadgerCare Plus. It qualifies your household for Lifeline.
Can I get a free iPhone in Wisconsin?
Lifeline providers mainly supply Android phones, but you can use a compatible unlocked iPhone on a free plan, or get an iPhone through carrier promotions.
What is the income limit for Lifeline in Wisconsin?
Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, about $21,128 a year for one person (2025).
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.