Do I Qualify?
Here are the ways you can qualify for Lifeline:
Based on Your Income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
Based on If You Use SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Programs
Federal Assistance Programs
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Your Medicaid eligibility may be up for renewal. Learn more about how to renew (Spanish language information).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for Lifeline.
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on Tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for Lifeline. Learn more about the Tribal Benefit.
Based on If You Are a Survivor
The Safe Connections Act (SCA) helps survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes get discounted phone, internet, or bundled services. If a survivor pursues a line separation request, the SCA requires mobile providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account.
If you are a survivor, you can participate in the Lifeline program if you provide proof of a line separation request and if you are experiencing financial hardship. Survivors experiencing financial hardship may qualify through existing Lifeline program requirements mentioned above or through one of the SCA-specific methods below:
- If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
If you qualify for Lifeline, your privacy will be protected, and you can receive up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support. For more information, visit the Survivor Benefit page.
Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
You can get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.
If you think you qualify, apply to get Lifeline
You can apply online, by mail, or with the assistance of your phone or internet company. Learn more about how to Get Lifeline.
