Lifeline Eligibility

How do I qualify for the Lifeline Program?

How do I qualify for the Lifeline Program?

Only eligible individuals may enroll in the Lifeline program. Lifeline is limited to one per household on wireline, wireless, or broadband service. You also cannot receive Lifeline benefits from multiple service providers. Lifeline is a non-transferable benefit, and you may not transfer your benefit to any other person.

According to the Lifeline program, a household is defined as “any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.” You may be eligible if you live at an address that consists of multiple households, such as a nursing home or homeless shelter. You may also be eligible if your address is temporary.

Eligibility for Lifeline varies by state, however, eligibility can be easily determined if you meet ONE of the two qualification criteria below:

  1. You participate in a government assistance program
    (Select your state below to see programs.)
  2. Your total household income meets your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines
    (Select your state below to see income chart.)

Select your state to determine your eligibility for Lifeline:

1  GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

You may qualify for Lifeline if you participate in one of the following government programs:

2 TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME

You may also be eligible for Lifeline if your total household income is at or below your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines. Federal guidelines may vary by state. Refer to the chart below to see your state’s income guidelines and see if you qualify.

The amounts listed in the chart below shows the maximum total household income you can earn in order to be eligible for Lifeline. Your income must be at or below the guidelines to qualify.

People in HouseholdAnnual IncomeMonthly Income
This chart is based on 2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines, which may vary by state and are subject to change.