Do I Qualify for Lifeline?
You can get FREE monthly phone service if you participate in a government benefit program or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
1. Qualify Through a Government Program
The easiest way to qualify is if you or a member of your household already participate in one of the following government assistance programs.
(Program participation is the most common way to qualify.)
2. Qualify Based on Your Household Income
If you don’t participate in a program, you can still qualify if your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
2025 Lifeline Federal Income Guidelines
(Based on 135% of Federal Poverty Levels. Guidelines as of June 1, 2025)
| Household Size | 48 States, D.C. | California | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,331 | $23,400 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 people | $27,594 | $31,700 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 people | $34,857 | $40,000 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 people | $42,120 | $48,400 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 people | $49,383 | $56,800 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 people | $56,646 | $65,200 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 people | $63,909 | $73,600 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 people | $71,172 | $82,000 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add | +$7,263 | +$8,400 | +$9,086 | +$8,357 |
Understanding the “One Lifeline Per Household” Rule
What is a Household?
Lifeline is a government program that provides a monthly discount on one home or mobile telephone service. Only ONE Lifeline discount is allowed per household.
A “household” is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
Key Program Rules
- One Per Household: Federal regulations mandate only one Lifeline-supported service per household, whether it’s a cell phone or a landline.
- No Duplicates: Members of a household are not permitted to receive Lifeline service from multiple telephone companies.
- Switching Your Benefit: If you currently have a Lifeline landline phone service, you must choose to switch your Lifeline benefit to our wireless service. You cannot have both.
- Multiple Households: In some cases, more than one household may reside at the same address (e.g., roommates who do not share income). You may be asked to fill out a form to determine if you are a separate household.
Ready to Get Started?
Enter your ZIP code below to see if service is available in your area and begin your application.