Government iPhoneLifeline Income Requirements
✅ Editorially reviewed
📋 Sourced from FCC & USAC
📅 Updated July 2026
How the threshold works
Eligibility is based on 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which increases with household size and is updated annually by the federal government.
What counts as income
Gross income before taxes from all household members generally counts, including wages, Social Security, and most other regular income sources.
How to verify
You may submit recent pay stubs, a prior-year tax return, or another approved income document during application.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Federal Poverty Guidelines used to calculate the 135% threshold are updated annually by the federal government, typically in January.
The National Verifier generally looks at your current income situation; if you're unsure how to document irregular income, our support team can help you figure out what to submit.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline Program rules
- Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)