How does a free government phone work?
Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone service for people with limited income. Providers apply the federal benefit of $9.25 per month (up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands) to your service, and many include a phone at no cost. The result is a free government phone with service you can use every month.
What Lifeline is worth each year
Annual value of the federal Lifeline benefit: $9.25 a month standard, $34.25 a month on qualifying Tribal lands.
What is included with the service?
- Free monthly talk and text
- A monthly high-speed data allowance (see our plans)
- A free smartphone, tablet or SIM card
- Free shipping and activation help
- Optional number transfer from your current carrier
Looking for a specific kind of device? Compare a free government smartphone, a free government cellphone and a phone and tablet combo.
Who is eligible?
The same rules apply across every Lifeline provider. You qualify through a program or through income:
- SNAP (food stamps / EBT)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal programs such as Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance or Tribal TANF
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify every year. Learn more about the program itself in our Lifeline guide.
Keep your service active
Use your phone at least once every 30 days (a call, text or data session counts) and respond to your annual recertification notice. Our guide to Lifeline recertification explains the steps.
