Lifeline Eligibility Requirements
How to Qualify for Lifeline
You can qualify for Lifeline benefits in two ways:
- Income-Based Eligibility: Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Program-Based Eligibility: You participate in certain qualifying government assistance programs
Income-Based Eligibility
If your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for Lifeline. Income limits vary by:
- Household size (number of people in your household)
- State of residence
- Whether you live on tribal lands
For example, for a household of 4 people in most states, the income limit is approximately $36,000-$40,000 per year (figures are approximate and subject to change).
Program-Based Eligibility
You automatically qualify for Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participates in any of these programs:
Federal Assistance Programs
Tribal Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start (only if income eligible)
Household Definition
For Lifeline purposes, a "household" is defined as:
- All individuals who live at the same address
- Share income and expenses
- Are not separate households
Important: Only one Lifeline benefit is available per household, not per person.
Additional Requirements
In addition to meeting income or program requirements, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Live in a state where Lifeline is available
- Not already be receiving Lifeline benefits from another provider
- Provide valid identification and proof of eligibility
How to Prove Eligibility
When applying, you'll need to provide documentation such as:
- Benefit award letters or approval notices from qualifying programs
- Tax returns or pay stubs (for income-based eligibility)
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
See our Required Documents page for a complete list.
Annual Recertification
Lifeline participants must recertify their eligibility every year. You'll receive a notice when it's time to recertify. Failure to recertify may result in loss of benefits.
Check Your Eligibility
Use our Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify for Lifeline benefits. The checker will guide you through the qualification process.
Ready to Apply?
If you believe you qualify, find participating providers in your area and start your application.