Answer two quick questions for general guidance on which eligibility path fits your household. This tool gives an informal indication only — the National Verifier makes the official determination when you apply.
Two ways to qualify
By income
Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size and state.
By program participation
You or someone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, or certain Tribal assistance programs.
Documents you may need
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of program participation (benefit award letter, EBT card, or similar) if qualifying by program
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return) if qualifying by income
Proof of address if it doesn't match your ID
Quick check
This is general guidance, not an official eligibility determination. Final eligibility is confirmed by the National Verifier during your application.
You can still qualify based on household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The application will walk you through submitting income documentation.
No. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, regardless of how many household members individually qualify.
You'll need to recertify your eligibility annually. In many cases this happens automatically through a database check; otherwise you'll receive a notice with instructions.
If you participate in assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or meet low-income thresholds, you likely qualify for the Lifeline program, which can provide you with a free government iPhone.
Yes! Having an EBT card for SNAP means you meet the eligibility requirements for the Lifeline program. This makes you eligible to apply for a free government tablet or smartphone.
Yes. If you already have Lifeline with another company, you can transfer your benefit to us. When you switch, you may be eligible to receive a new free phone as a promotional offer.
You'll need proof of identity (like a driver's license), proof of address, and proof of your qualifying program or income. The same documentation required for a standard application also applies for a free 5G government phone.
If your eligibility can be verified automatically through the National Verifier database, approval takes just minutes. Once approved, your free iPhone government phone or tablet will typically ship right away.
Government iPhone