How to Get Free Phone Service: The Essential Guide to Lifeline Program

Over 38 million American households are eligible for Lifeline, a federal assistance program created by the FCC in 1985 to help low-income people afford phone and internet service.

Many people who qualify don't know the program exists. It provides monthly discounts of up to $9.25 for most eligible households and $34.25 for those on federally recognized tribal lands. For seniors especially, Lifeline can mean staying in touch with family, reaching emergency services, and accessing government resources without stretching a tight budget.

You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines—for example, $21,128 annually for one person in most states as of 2025. You also qualify if you or anyone in your household receives Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or federal housing assistance.

This guide explains how to apply for Lifeline and what you can get.

• What is the Lifeline assistance program?
  • How does Lifeline work?
  • What is Lifeline program for seniors?
  • Who manages the program?
• Who qualifies for free phone service?
  • Lifeline income eligibility explained
  • Program-based qualification
  • Special rules for tribal lands
• What services and devices are covered?
  • Types of services you can get
  • Does Lifeline offer free phones?
  • Bundled internet and phone plans
• How to apply and stay enrolled
  • Using the National Verifier
  • State-specific application rules
  • Annual recertification process
  • What documents you'll need
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is the Lifeline assistance program?

The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal program created by the FCC to help low-income Americans afford phone and internet service. Established in 1985, it has expanded to cover new technologies as communication needs have changed.

How does Lifeline work?

Lifeline provides a monthly discount of $9.25 on phone service, broadband internet, or a combination of both. On tribal lands, the discount increases to $34.25 per month. You can use this benefit on either a wireline (landline), wireless (mobile), or broadband service, but you cannot get a discount on more than one at a time.

The program covers:

• Landline telephone service
• Mobile phone service with talk and text
• Broadband internet
• Bundled voice and internet packages

What is Lifeline program for seniors?

For older adults, Lifeline removes a financial barrier to staying connected. It helps seniors afford phone or internet service so they can reach family, call for help in an emergency, and access health and government services.

Many seniors value mobile phone options for their emergency features, GPS, and voice-activated calling. These capabilities can be especially important for those who live alone or have mobility challenges.

Who manages the program?

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), an independent nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., runs the day-to-day operations. The FCC sets the rules, but USAC handles applications, eligibility verification, and annual recertifications.

Since 2018, USAC has used the National Eligibility Verifier—a centralized system that checks government databases to determine if you qualify for Lifeline. This speeds up the process and reduces paperwork.

The program is funded through fees collected from telecommunications companies, not tax dollars.

Who qualifies for free phone service?

You can qualify through income or by participating in certain government assistance programs.

Lifeline income eligibility explained

Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. For 2025, a single person can earn up to $21,128 annually in most states, $26,393 in Alaska, and $24,287 in Hawaii. A four-person household qualifies with income up to $43,403 in most states. When you apply, be prepared to show tax returns, pay stubs, or other income documentation.

You'll need three consecutive months of recent pay stubs or a recent tax return to prove income.

Program-based qualification

You qualify automatically if you or someone in your household receives benefits from any of these programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs

Submit a benefit letter or official document showing your name, the program name, the issuing agency, and the date.

Special rules for tribal lands

If you live on tribal lands, you receive $34.25 monthly instead of $9.25. New applicants on tribal lands can also get a one-time Link Up benefit of up to $100 to help cover initial connection or activation charges.

You can also qualify through tribal-specific programs:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Tribal Head Start (if income-eligible)

Remember: only one person per household can receive a Lifeline discount. Getting multiple discounts can result in penalties and removal from the program.

What services and devices are covered?

Once you qualify, you can apply your discount to several types of service.

Types of services you can get

The $9.25 monthly discount can go toward:

• Landline (traditional telephone) service
• Wireless (mobile) phone service
• Broadband internet
• Bundled voice and internet packages

You can use the discount on either wireline or wireless service, but not both at the same time.

Tribal land residents get the higher $34.25 monthly discount and may also qualify for Link Up, a one-time benefit that covers initial installation or activation fees.

Does Lifeline offer free phones?

Lifeline itself doesn't provide free phones, but many participating providers do offer free smartphones to new customers.

Any free phone must be Wi-Fi enabled, and providers must increasingly offer hotspot-capable devices—at least one model by 2016 and 75% of devices by 2024. This requirement helps ensure customers can access broadband.

This is especially valuable for education and looking up health information.

Bundled internet and phone plans

Bundled plans combine voice and internet under one Lifeline discount, making them one of the best values.

Many carriers offer plans that include:

• Unlimited talk and text
• Several gigabytes of high-speed data
• Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities
• Free directory assistance (411 calling)
• Call waiting, voicemail, and caller ID
• Three-way calling

Compare plans from different providers before you choose. Each one structures Lifeline plans differently, so you'll find better deals from some carriers than others depending on where you live.

How to apply and stay enrolled

The application process has several steps, but it's straightforward once you know what to expect.

Using the National Verifier

Most states use the National Verifier, a centralized system that checks government databases to confirm you qualify. You can apply online or by mail at LifelineSupport.org. The system checks your eligibility automatically, which speeds things up considerably.

State-specific application rules

California, Oregon, and Texas use their own application systems instead of the National Verifier. Check with your state's Public Utility Commission or your service provider for specific instructions. (California broadband-only customers still use the National Verifier.)

Annual recertification process

You must recertify once a year to keep your benefit. USAC will try to verify your eligibility automatically through government databases. If that works, you don't need to do anything. If not, you'll get a notice by mail, email, or phone. You then have 60 days to recertify or lose the benefit. You may receive up to three reminders and a postcard during this period.

What documents you'll need

What you submit depends on what you need to prove:

• Program participation: A benefit award letter showing your name, program name, issuing agency, and date
• Income: Tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements
• Identity: Government ID, birth certificate, or driver's license
• Address: Utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease agreement

Submit copies (not originals) online, by mail, or through your service provider.

Conclusion

Phone and internet access matter for daily life, and especially for seniors and low-income households. Lifeline removes a real barrier by offering $9.25 monthly discounts (or $34.25 on tribal lands) on these essential services.

Two paths lead to qualification: household income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines, or enrollment in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI. Once approved, you can apply the discount to landline, mobile, broadband, or bundled plans based on what you need.

Many providers also offer free Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones with Lifeline enrollment. These increasingly include hotspot functionality, giving you access to broadband.

Apply through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org for most states, though California, Oregon, and Texas have their own systems. Plan to recertify annually—USAC handles most of this automatically, but check your mail for recertification notices.

The program's real value is connection. It links you to family, emergency services, healthcare, and government programs you may need.

If you think you might qualify, start the application today at LifelineSupport.org or contact a participating provider. It's a straightforward way to cut your communication costs and stay connected.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Lifeline Assistance Program? Lifeline is a federal program that provides monthly discounts on phone and internet service for low-income households. The discount is $9.25 for most people and $34.25 for those on tribal lands.

Q2. How do I qualify for the Lifeline program? You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or federal housing assistance.

Q3. What services does Lifeline cover? You can use the discount on landline service, mobile service, broadband internet, or bundled voice-and-internet plans. You can only get a discount on one service type per household.

Q4. Does Lifeline provide free phones? Lifeline itself doesn't, but many participating providers offer free smartphones to new customers. These must be Wi-Fi enabled and increasingly include hotspot capabilities.

Q5. How do I apply for Lifeline and maintain my enrollment? Apply through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org (or use your state's system if you live in California, Oregon, or Texas). You must recertify once yearly; USAC attempts automatic verification but will contact you if you need to provide documents.