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 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Household Size 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories Alaska Hawaii
1 $19,683 $24,584 $22,640
2 $26,622 $33,264 $30,618
3 $33,561 $41,945 $38,597
4 $40,500 $50,625 $46,575
5 $47,439 $59,306 $54,554
6 $54,378 $67,986 $62,532
7 $61,317 $76,667 $70,511
8 $68,256 $85,347 $78,489
For each additional person, add: $6,939 $8,681 $7,979

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.

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.

Apply Now