Check Your Eligibility
Heads up: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 1, 2024. Some websites still show "ACP + Lifeline" combined plans with "Unlimited Everything" — those are no longer available. Only the Lifeline program is currently active.
Step 1: Check Qualifications
Do you participate in any of the following programs?
Or any of these?
2026 Income Eligibility Thresholds
Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify based on income. The 2026 thresholds are:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 |
| 2 | $29,214 |
| 3 | $36,882 |
| 4 | $44,550 |
| 5 | $52,218 |
| 6 | $59,886 |
| 7 | $67,554 |
| 8 | $75,222 |
| Add $7,668 for each additional person | |
Safe Connections Act — Survivor Benefit
Under the Safe Connections Act (SCA), survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes can receive up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support. Your privacy is protected.
Survivors can qualify through existing Lifeline rules or through these SCA-specific pathways:
- Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Enrollment in WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Enrollment in the Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
If you are a survivor, contact a Lifeline provider or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for assistance.
Qualifying Programs
Medicaid (Medicaid)
Federal and state health coverage for low-income individuals and families.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Federal nutrition assistance program formerly known as food stamps.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal income supplement for aged, blind, and disabled individuals.
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Housing assistance programs including Section 8 vouchers.
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit (Veterans Pension)
Pension benefits for wartime veterans and surviving spouses.
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA GA)
Financial assistance for Native Americans living on Tribal lands.
Tribal Head Start (Tribal Head Start)
Early childhood education program for tribal communities (income-qualified).
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Nutrition program for Native American households on Tribal lands.
Tribal TANF (Tribal TANF)
Tribally-administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
What Documents Do You Need?
When applying for a Lifeline free phone, you will need to provide documentation to verify your identity and eligibility. Having these ready will speed up your application.
Proof of Identity
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
Proof of Program Participation
- Benefit award letter (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
- Statement of benefits from the agency
- Benefit verification letter
Proof of Income (if qualifying by income)
- Prior year's federal or state tax return
- Three consecutive pay stubs
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
Proof of Address
- Utility bill (water, gas, electric)
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Official government mail with your address
What Happens After You Apply?
Submit Application
Fill out the online form with your chosen provider and upload your documents.
Identity Verification
The National Verifier checks your eligibility. This usually takes minutes but can take up to 48 hours.
Application Approved
Once approved, your provider will prepare your phone and service for shipping.
Phone Arrives
Your free smartphone is delivered in 7-10 business days, ready to activate and use.
Common Reasons for Denial
Make sure to avoid these common mistakes that can delay or deny your application: