Lifeline: $9.25 a month off your phone or internet (and how to get a free phone and plan) in 2026
Lifeline is the federal program that pays part of your phone or internet bill if your income is under 135% of the poverty line or you're on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or a few other programs. Many carriers turn the $9.25 into a free smartphone with unlimited talk, text, and data. Who qualifies, how to apply through the National Verifier in 15 minutes, the best providers, and the rules that got people cut off.
- Lifeline = up to $9.25/month off phone, internet, or a bundle ($34.25 on Tribal lands). One benefit per household.
- You qualify if your household income is ≤135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (about $21,550 for one person, $44,550 for a family of four in 2026) or anyone in the household is on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal programs.
- Apply once at the National Verifier (lifelinesupport.org or a provider's site), get approved, then pick a provider. Many "free government phone" carriers (Assurance Wireless, SafeLink, Q Link, TruConnect, StandUp Wireless, Life Wireless, Cintex) turn the discount into a free smartphone with unlimited talk/text and several GB of data.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024; Lifeline is what remains, so plans are smaller than before.
- Keep using the phone: Lifeline lines with no usage for 30 days get de-enrolled, and you must recertify every year.
Do you qualify?
By income (135% FPL, 2026, 48 states): 1 person $21,546; 2: $29,214; 3: $36,882; 4: $44,550; each extra person +$7,668. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. Proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, a benefits statement, or a letter from your employer.
By program: you or anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, or Tribal programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start income-based, FDPIR). Proof: an award or benefit letter dated within the last 12 months. The National Verifier can often confirm SNAP/Medicaid automatically without documents.
One per household: a household is people who live together and share income and expenses. Roommates who don't share expenses are separate households (you'll sign a one-page worksheet).
How to apply (15 minutes)
- Go to lifelinesupport.org → "Apply Now" (the National Verifier, run by USAC), or start on a provider's website, which sends you to the same check.
- Enter name, address, date of birth, last 4 of SSN (or Tribal ID). Often approved instantly against SNAP/Medicaid databases; otherwise upload proof.
- Get the approval (application ID).
- Choose a provider. Compare in your zip code: free-phone carriers (Assurance, SafeLink, Q Link, TruConnect, StandUp, Life Wireless, Cintex, AirTalk) vs. applying the $9.25 to an existing plan with big carriers or a home internet provider (Spectrum, AT&T, Cox and others accept Lifeline).
- The provider activates within days; free-phone carriers ship a basic Android phone or a SIM for your own phone.
- Recertify each year when USAC emails/mails you (or the provider does). Missing it ends the benefit; you can reapply.
Free phone plans: what you actually get in 2026
Typical Lifeline-only plans from the free carriers: unlimited talk and text, 4.5–10 GB of data per month (more on Tribal lands or in California, which adds its own subsidy), a free entry-level smartphone or bring your own. Data is throttled after the cap. Coverage rides on T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon networks depending on the carrier; check which network is best where you live.
California, Oregon and a few other states add state Lifeline money, so plans there are larger (California often 12+ GB or unlimited data).
Rules that get people cut off
- 30-day non-usage: for free plans, make a call, send a text, or use data at least once a month.
- Annual recertification: respond within 60 days of the notice.
- One per household: two lines at the same address without a household worksheet gets both canceled.
- Duplicate enrollment across providers is flagged automatically.
- Don't pay anyone to "sign you up": enrollment is free and agents who charge are violating program rules.
Home internet instead of a phone
You can apply the same $9.25 to a home internet bill. Also check your ISP's own low-income plans (Comcast Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist, AT&T Access, Cox Connect2Compete, Verizon Forward), which run $10–$30/month and can stack with Lifeline at some providers.
FAQ
Can I keep my number?
Yes, port it to the Lifeline provider.
I'm on Social Security retirement but not SSI
Retirement benefits alone don't qualify; use the income test (135% FPL) or another program like SNAP or Medicaid.
Does Lifeline affect my other benefits or immigration status?
No. It's not counted as income and not a public-charge factor.
My application was denied
Common reasons: a name/address mismatch with the database, or missing proof. Fix the mismatch or upload a benefits letter and resubmit; you can also call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473.