Eligibility Requirements
Complete guide to qualification criteria for free government phones and discounted wireless service through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Income eligibility is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines issued annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Guidelines are updated each year.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 100% FPL (Monthly) | Lifeline Limit (135%) | ACP Limit (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,580 | $1,215 | $1,643 | $969 |
| 2 people | $19,720 | $1,643 | $2,220 | $1,314 |
| 3 people | $24,860 | $2,072 | $2,797 | $1,657 |
| 4 people | $30,000 | $2,500 | $3,375 | $2,000 |
| 5 people | $35,140 | $2,928 | $3,953 | $2,343 |
| 6 people | $40,280 | $3,357 | $4,531 | $2,685 |
| 7 people | $45,420 | $3,785 | $5,109 | $3,028 |
| 8+ people | Add $5,140 for each additional person | Add $428 for each additional person | Add $578 for each additional person | Add $343 for each additional person |
* Guidelines are updated annually. This table reflects 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Qualifying Assistance Programs
Participation in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for government phone benefits, regardless of income level.
Federal Programs
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Food Stamps)
- Medicaid (Medical assistance program)
- Medicare (Health insurance for seniors)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program)
Housing & Energy Programs
- Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers)
- Public Housing (HUD-assisted housing)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)
- FEMA Assistance (Disaster relief)
- Pell Grants (2021-2022 academic year recipients)
- Free/Reduced School Lunch (for households with children)
- Head Start (Early childhood education)
Required Documentation
When applying for benefits, you'll need to provide proof of eligibility. Different documents are required for income-based vs. program-based eligibility.
Income-Based Eligibility Documents
- Pay stubs (last 30-90 days)
- Tax returns (1040, W-2, 1099 forms)
- Social Security/SSI statements
- Pension/retirement statements
- Unemployment benefit statements
- Bank statements (if self-employed)
- Proof of household composition
Program-Based Eligibility Documents
- SNAP approval letter or EBT card
- Medicaid/Medicare card
- SSI award letter
- TANF approval notice
- Section 8 voucher
- Pell Grant award letter
- WIC approval documents
Identity & Residency Documents
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Lease agreement or mortgage statement
- Voter registration card
- Bank statement with address
- Piece of mail from government agency
Check Your Eligibility
Use our interactive eligibility calculator to determine if you qualify based on your household size and income level.
Important Eligibility Notes
- Annual Recertification: Eligibility must be verified every year
- One Benefit Per Household: Only one Lifeline or ACP benefit per household
- US Residency Required: Must live in the United States or territories
- No Credit Check: Programs are needs-based, not credit-based
- Confidential: All information is protected under privacy laws
- Available to All Ages: No age restrictions for eligibility
Ready to Apply?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for benefits through participating providers. The process is simple and confidential.