The Lifeline program is the federal government's main way to help low-income households afford phone and internet service. Managed by the FCC and administered by USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company), Lifeline gives eligible subscribers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on their phone or internet bill, or up to $34.25 per month for those living on Tribal lands. Many providers pass this discount along as a completely free plan with a free smartphone.
Since the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, Lifeline has become the primary federal benefit for low-income phone and internet access. If you lost your ACP benefit, Lifeline is the program to check next.
This guide covers Lifeline income limits for 2026, the top providers available in each state, and the steps to apply through the National Verifier.
Lifeline Eligibility 2026: Two Paths to Qualify
You can qualify for Lifeline through income or through participation in a qualifying government program. You only need to meet one of the two criteria, not both.
Path 1: Income-Based Eligibility
Your household gross income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below shows the 2026 income limits for the contiguous 48 states and Washington D.C.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (135% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 |
| 2 people | $29,214 |
| 3 people | $36,882 |
| 4 people | $44,550 |
| 5 people | $52,218 |
| 6 people | $59,886 |
| Each additional person | Add $7,668 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL baselines. Alaska's 135% threshold for a single person is approximately $26,933. Hawaii's is approximately $24,786.
Path 2: Program-Based Eligibility
You qualify automatically if you or any member of your household currently participates in one of these federal programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Benefit
Residents of Tribal lands may also qualify through additional programs including the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Tribal Head Start, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
One benefit per household. Lifeline limits one discounted plan per household, not per person. If two adults live at the same address, only one Lifeline benefit applies to the household.
Top Lifeline Providers in 2026
Not every provider operates in every state. Below are the major national and regional Lifeline carriers, what they offer, and where they are available.
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink is one of the most widely available Lifeline providers, operating in all 50 states. It runs on the Verizon network, which gives it strong rural coverage compared to most competitors. Plans typically include free talk, text, and data each month, with a free Android smartphone for new enrollees. SafeLink is a Tracfone brand (owned by Verizon).
Best for: Rural areas, seniors who want reliable coverage on Verizon's network.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless operates in more than 40 states on T-Mobile's nationwide network. It is one of the most popular Lifeline providers and typically offers free unlimited talk and text plus several gigabytes of monthly high-speed data, along with a free smartphone. Assurance Wireless is a T-Mobile subsidiary.
Best for: Urban and suburban areas with strong T-Mobile coverage.
TruConnect
TruConnect offers Lifeline service in more than 30 states and markets itself on 5G data speeds where T-Mobile's 5G network is available. Plans include free unlimited talk and text plus high-speed data. TruConnect also offers a free phone for eligible new customers.
Best for: Users who want 5G speeds in covered markets.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless serves customers in numerous states with data-focused Lifeline plans. It runs on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, which gives it solid coverage in most metro areas. AirTalk often advertises higher data allotments than some competitors, making it a good fit for smartphone users who stream or browse frequently.
Best for: Higher data needs, AT&T network coverage areas.
TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile has a strong regional presence in Texas, Oklahoma, and the South. It runs on the T-Mobile network and offers standard Lifeline plans with talk, text, and data.
Best for: Texas, Oklahoma, and surrounding southern states.
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile offers Lifeline plans in California and several other states. It operates on the T-Mobile network.
Lifeline Providers by State (Regional Breakdown)
Because provider availability varies by state, the table below summarizes which major carriers generally serve each region. For an exact list of providers at your address, use the USAC Companies Near Me tool at cnm.universalservice.org.
| State/Region | Commonly Available Providers |
|---|
| California | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk, TAG Mobile, Gen Mobile |
| Texas | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TAG Mobile, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Florida | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| New York | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Pennsylvania | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, TAG Mobile |
| Ohio | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Georgia | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TAG Mobile, TruConnect |
| North Carolina | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Michigan | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Illinois | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Washington | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, AirTalk, TruConnect |
| Arizona | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Colorado | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Tennessee | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TAG Mobile, TruConnect |
| Virginia | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Oregon | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Nevada | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect |
| New Jersey | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Massachusetts | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect |
| Indiana | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect, AirTalk |
| Alaska | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless (limited coverage areas) |
| Hawaii | SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, TruConnect |
| All other states | SafeLink (all 50 states) + check USAC tool for local carriers |
Note: Provider availability changes. Always verify current availability at cnm.universalservice.org or by calling USAC at 1-800-234-9473.
State Lifeline Programs
Several states run their own Lifeline programs on top of the federal benefit, sometimes with higher income thresholds or additional monthly discounts.
California LifeLine is the most notable state program. California uses a 150% FPL income threshold (higher than the federal 135%), meaning some households qualify for CaliforniaLifeline even if they fall just above the federal limit. California LifeLine is administered by the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) and can be combined with the federal Lifeline benefit for a larger total discount. Participating providers in California include SafeLink, TruConnect, AirTalk, Assurance Wireless, Gen Mobile, and others.
Other states with supplemental Lifeline programs or state-level phone assistance include New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Check with your state public utilities commission for details.
How to Apply for Lifeline: Step-by-Step
Lifeline applications go through the National Verifier, a centralized system run by USAC.
Step 1: Check eligibility
Before applying, confirm your household meets the income limit (135% FPL) or that you participate in a qualifying program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. You can also run a quick check at our free benefits screener to see all programs you may qualify for at once.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You will need to provide proof of eligibility. Acceptable documents include:
- For income-based: prior year's tax return, three consecutive recent pay stubs, or a letter from an employer or benefits administrator showing annual income.
- For program-based: benefit award letter, approval letter, or official document showing current enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension.
You will also need a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof of address.
Step 3: Apply through the National Verifier
Go to lifelinesupport.org and click "Apply Now." You will create an account and submit your eligibility documents online. The National Verifier checks your information against state databases automatically in many states, which can speed up approval.
Step 4: Choose a provider
Once approved, you will receive an Eligibility Determination Letter or approval confirmation. Use this to enroll with a provider of your choice at cnm.universalservice.org. Many providers also let you apply directly on their website, which walks you through the National Verifier as part of their signup flow.
Step 5: Recertify annually
Lifeline requires annual recertification. USAC will send you a notice before your benefit anniversary date. You must confirm you still meet eligibility requirements or your benefit will be cancelled. Watch for notices by mail or email.
What You Get with Lifeline in 2026
The standard federal Lifeline discount is $9.25 per month. Providers can apply this discount toward a monthly plan of their choosing. Many major carriers absorb the full cost and offer plans at no charge to the subscriber.
A typical Lifeline plan in 2026 includes:
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3 GB to 10 GB of monthly high-speed data (varies by provider)
- A free Android smartphone for new qualifying enrollees (subject to availability)
- Reduced-cost or free international calling options on some plans
For subscribers on Tribal lands, the enhanced Lifeline benefit of $34.25 per month significantly increases what providers can offer, often resulting in higher data allowances and better device options.
Lifeline does not cover: Premium phones, large data overages, or international roaming beyond any included allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a free Lifeline phone in 2026?
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the income table above), or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension. Residents of Tribal lands have access to an enhanced benefit and additional qualifying programs.
How do I find Lifeline providers in my state?
The fastest way is the USAC Companies Near Me tool at cnm.universalservice.org. Enter your ZIP code and the tool shows all approved Lifeline providers serving your address. You can also call USAC at 1-800-234-9473 for assistance.
Can I keep my current phone number when switching to a Lifeline provider?
Yes. You can port your existing number to a Lifeline provider at no cost. Request the port during the enrollment process with your new provider and provide your account number and PIN from your current carrier.
Is there still an ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) benefit in 2026?
No. The ACP ended in May 2024 after Congress did not renew its funding. As of 2026, the Lifeline program is the primary federal subsidy for phone and internet costs. Some states and local programs offer additional broadband assistance, but there is no direct federal ACP replacement active at this time.
Can I get Lifeline if I already have a phone plan?
Yes. The Lifeline benefit is a discount, not a requirement to use a specific carrier. You can apply the benefit to your existing service if your current provider participates in the Lifeline program. Contact your provider to ask if they accept Lifeline and how to apply the discount to your account.
How many Lifeline benefits can one household receive?
One. Lifeline limits households to a single discounted plan, regardless of how many people live at the address. If multiple members of your household each qualify on their own, the benefit still applies only once per household.
Does Lifeline cover home internet?
Yes. Lifeline can be applied to a fixed home internet service instead of a mobile phone plan. However, since the ACP ended, fewer providers offer Lifeline internet-only plans. Check with your internet service provider or use the USAC provider search to find participating home internet providers in your area.
What happens if I no longer qualify for Lifeline?
If your income rises above the limit and you no longer participate in a qualifying program, you are required to notify your Lifeline provider within 30 days. Failure to report a change in eligibility can result in penalties. Your provider will also verify your eligibility during annual recertification.
Is the Lifeline benefit available in U.S. territories?
Yes. Lifeline is available in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and other U.S. territories. Income limits for territories follow federal guidelines, and the USAC provider search tool covers these locations.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener to check whether your household qualifies for Lifeline and other federal assistance programs including SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and more, all in one place.
