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Free Government Phones: How the Lifeline Program Works

By CalculateBenefits Editorial Team · Reviewed by Mark Phaneuf, Publisher · September 2026

“Free government phone” is a common ad phrase. The real program is called Lifeline. It can cut the cost of one phone or home internet plan.

The government does not hand out phones. Private phone firms offer plans that use the Lifeline credit. SafeLink and Assurance are two such firms. Other firms may serve your area.

The credit is up to $9.25 each month for internet or a bundled plan. It is up to $5.25 each month for voice-only phone service. It can be up to $34.25 each month on some Tribal lands. Applying is free.

Does Lifeline mean the phone is free?

Not always. A firm may have a plan with no bill after the credit. It may also give a basic phone. Another firm may still charge a small bill.

Check the plan before you sign up. Ask about minutes, data, a new phone, and fees. No firm can give you a bigger federal credit than the law allows.

The credit may go to a cell plan, a home phone, or home internet. It cannot go to all three at once.

Who may get Lifeline?

You may meet the rule in one of two ways.

First, check your pay. Your home's gross pay may be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. The exact dollar line changes by home size and year.

In 2026, the line for one person is $21,546 a year in the 48 states, D.C., and U.S. areas. Alaska and Hawaii use higher lines.

Second, check other aid. You may meet the rule if you or someone in your home gets:

• SNAP
• Medicaid
• SSI
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• A VA pension for a veteran or survivor

Some Tribal aid can also count. The official Lifeline rules page has the full list.

What does “one per household” mean?

Only one Lifeline credit is allowed per home. A home means people at one address who share pay and bills.

Two people at one address may be two homes if they do not share money. A roommate may be separate. The same may be true in a group home. You may need to fill out a short home form to show this.

Do not sign up twice for the same home. That can cause both plans to lose the credit.

How do I apply?

1. Check the rule. Use the official page.
2. Use the main form. Start at GetInternet.gov. Some states use their own path.
3. Show proof. You may need a benefit letter or proof of pay. You may also need proof of who you are.
4. Pick a phone firm. Use the official company search after the form says yes.
5. Read the plan. Check data, minutes, fees, and phone cost before you agree.

The main form checks the rule. The phone firm gives the service. A phone firm cannot promise that the main form will say yes.

What papers may I need?

You may need a photo ID and proof of your address. You may also need one of these:

• A SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing, or VA letter
• Recent pay stubs
• A tax return
• A Social Security benefit note

Use copies or safe uploads. Do not send private papers to a person who called you first.

Do I have to prove the rule again?

You may have to renew the credit each year. Reply to a true notice by its due date. Use the official Lifeline site if you are not sure the notice is real.

Tell Lifeline if you move or if your home no longer meets the rule. This helps keep the plan from being shut off later.

How do I avoid a phone scam?

• Never pay a fee just to apply.
• Do not trust a firm that says every person gets a free phone.
• Do not give an ID number to a door-to-door seller.
• Do not let a seller sign your name.
• Check the firm through the official Lifeline site.

Lifeline is real. The ads can still be vague. Start with the official form. Then compare the firms that serve your ZIP code. Our utility help guides cover more ways to cut phone, internet, and energy costs.

Programs mentioned in this guide