Lifeline Program
Everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and managing your free wireless benefit.
Lifeline is a federal government program that reduces the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. It is funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
ProgramBenefits.com helps you check your eligibility and start your application in minutes – at no cost to you.
Eligible households can receive:
No. Lifeline and ACP were separate programs. ACP ended in 2024. Lifeline is still active and continues to provide monthly discounts. If you received ACP, you may still qualify for Lifeline – apply through ProgramBenefits.com to find out.
Lifeline itself is a federal government program. ProgramBenefits.com is an enrollment assistance site that helps you apply through a participating Lifeline provider. There is no cost to check your eligibility or submit an application.
You can enjoy FREE monthly wireless service with Unlimited Talk & Text and 5GB of mobile data. It's an easy and affordable way to stay connected!
No. Our offer includes free wireless service, not a free phone. You can bring your own unlocked, compatible device.
No. Our service uses physical SIM cards, so you'll need an unlocked, compatible device that supports a physical SIM.
Yes! Eligible customers may be able to keep their existing phone number by requesting a port-in while the application is still pending. Transferring your Lifeline benefit does not automatically transfer your phone number—a port-in must be specifically requested before enrollment is completed.
Most applications are reviewed within 1–3 business days. If additional information or documentation is needed, we'll let you know so you can keep your application moving forward.
You can check your status through My Account, Customer Service, or online chat to see if your application is approved, under review, or needs additional information.
Once your application is approved and processed, delivery generally takes 7–15 business days. Make sure your shipping address is correct to avoid delays.
You can qualify for Lifeline in two ways:
| Household Size | 48 States & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| Each add'l person | +$7,668 | +$9,585 | +$8,816 |
135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Yes. If your child or dependent participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or Veterans Pension/Survivors Benefit, your entire household may qualify – even if you personally do not participate in those programs.
Generally, only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, not per person. A "household" means any individual or group living at the same address who share income and expenses. There are limited exceptions for households with distinct, separate finances – contact us if you believe your situation qualifies.
Yes. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use the address of a shelter, a family member, or a friend. You can also provide a descriptive address that identifies where you physically live. Lack of a permanent address will not automatically disqualify you.
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you may qualify for the Enhanced Tribal Benefit of up to $34.25/month. You can qualify based on income (at or below 135% FPG) or by participating in federal programs, as well as Tribal-specific programs such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
For program participation (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.):
For income:
Most applications are reviewed within a few business days through the National Verifier system. If additional documentation is needed, you'll be notified by email or mail with a deadline to respond. Once approved, your provider will activate your discount.
Yes. Every year, USAC will check to confirm you still qualify – this is called recertification. If they cannot automatically verify your eligibility, they will contact you by email or mail. If you do not respond by the deadline, your benefit will be canceled and your bill may increase.
Watch for these notices and respond promptly to keep your benefit uninterrupted.
If you no longer meet the income or program eligibility requirements, you must de-enroll from the program. Continuing to receive Lifeline when you no longer qualify is considered fraud and may result in penalties. Contact your provider or USAC at (800) 234-9473 if your situation changes.
For billing questions, lost or broken devices, additional data or minutes, or service interruptions – contact your Lifeline phone or internet provider directly. ProgramBenefits.com and USAC manage the enrollment and eligibility process; your provider handles service delivery.
Use your account information to register or log in. If you forget your password, select Forgot Password or contact Customer Service for assistance.
Your data will refresh with your monthly service cycle. Eligible customers can also purchase additional data through My Account instead of waiting for the next refresh.