Government iPhoneWho Qualifies for Lifeline
✅ Editorially reviewed
📋 Sourced from FCC & USAC
📅 Updated July 2026
Income-based eligibility
Households with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their state and household size qualify.
Program-based eligibility
Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, Survivors Pension, or certain Tribal-specific programs also qualifies a household.
One benefit per household
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, regardless of how many individuals within it separately qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Lifeline eligibility is generally based on income or program participation rather than citizenship status specifically — the National Verifier will confirm what's required during your application.
Yes, if they independently meet the income or program-participation requirements. Being a Pell Grant recipient alone does not qualify you — that's a separate federal program.
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline Program rules
- Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)