How to Qualify
You may be eligible for Lifeline based on one of the following:
- Program Participation (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
- Income
- Survivor of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, or Related Crimes
You can also get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program.
Program Participation
Government Assistance Programs
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/2020/811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the government assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
You may be asked to show proof of program participation when you apply for Lifeline (like a benefit letter or official document).
Income Eligibility
You can get Lifeline if your income is at 135% or less than the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| 5 people | $52,218 | $65,273 | $60,048 |
| 6 people | $59,886 | $74,858 | $68,864 |
| 7 people | $67,554 | $84,443 | $77,679 |
| 8 people | $75,222 | $94,028 | $86,495 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,668 | $9,585 | $8,816 |
You may be asked to show proof of income when you apply for Lifeline (like a tax return or three months of consecutive pay stubs).
Survivor of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, or Related Crimes
If you are a survivor, you can participate in the Lifeline program if you provide proof of an attempted line separation request and if you are experiencing financial hardship. Survivors may qualify through existing Lifeline program requirements mentioned above or through the extended eligibility criteria:
- 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.
