Free phone with EBT searches usually mean SNAP eligibility
SNAP is a recognized Lifeline qualifying program. EBT is a benefit-delivery method, not a separate Lifeline program.
Free phone with EBT guide →eligibility
Check Lifeline Eligibility for Free Phone Service
Check 2026 Lifeline eligibility through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing, qualifying Veterans benefits, Tribal programs or household income at 135% of the federal guideline.
Lifeline eligibility 2026
Qualify through a recognized program or household income
Lifeline eligibility generally follows one of two paths: participation in a qualifying assistance program, or gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per economic household. Review the full Lifeline eligibility guide, and use the application document guidance if verification asks for proof.
Medicaid is a direct program-based Lifeline route
Current Medicaid participation can qualify a household for Lifeline, subject to verification.
Medicaid phone guide →Household income can qualify without another program
Use the table and pre-screen below to compare reported gross household income with the 2026 guideline.
See thresholds ↓Common Lifeline qualifying programs
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation is a recognized Lifeline route.
Learn more →Medicaid
Current Medicaid participation is a recognized Lifeline route.
Learn more →Supplemental Security Income
SSI participation can qualify a household for Lifeline.
Federal Public Housing Assistance
FPHA participation is listed by USAC as a qualifying program.
Veterans and Survivors Pension
The qualifying Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit is a Lifeline route.
Qualifying Tribal programs
Additional Tribal program routes apply for consumers living on Tribal lands.
135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
These values are the current 2026 Lifeline income thresholds published by USAC. For households larger than eight people, an additional amount is added for each extra person.
| Household | 48 states, DC & territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| 5 | $52,218 | $65,273 | $60,048 |
| 6 | $59,886 | $74,858 | $68,864 |
| 7 | $67,554 | $84,443 | $77,679 |
| 8 | $75,222 | $94,028 | $86,495 |
| Each additional person | $7,668 | $9,585 | $8,816 |
One benefit per household
Official Lifeline formsOne address can contain more than one household
USAC defines a household around people who live together and share income and expenses. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. If another Lifeline subscriber is already at the address, the applicant may need to show that they are part of a separate economic household using the Lifeline Household Worksheet.
Eligibility questions
Can SNAP or EBT qualify me for Lifeline?+
SNAP is a recognized Lifeline qualifying program. EBT is commonly the way SNAP benefits are delivered, so people often search for a free phone with EBT. The qualifying program is SNAP, subject to verification.
Does Medicaid qualify for Lifeline?+
Yes. Medicaid is a recognized Lifeline qualifying program, subject to the applicable verification process.
What is the Lifeline income limit in 2026?+
A household may qualify through income when gross household income is at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The dollar limit changes by household size and is higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Can two people at one address both get Lifeline?+
Possibly, if they are separate economic households. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and a Household Worksheet may be required when more than one subscriber is at the same address.
Does the Gov iPhone eligibility checker approve Lifeline?+
No. The website tool is a pre-screen. Official Lifeline eligibility is determined through the applicable federal or state verification process.
Do Texas and Oregon use the same National Verifier process?+
No. USAC identifies Texas and Oregon as NLAD opt-out states with state-specific eligibility processes.
Eligibility pre-screen
Check a likely Lifeline eligibility route
This tool uses current 2026 Lifeline income thresholds and qualifying-program categories. It is a pre-screen, not the official eligibility decision.
Program information from primary sources
Federal program claims on Gov iPhone are supported with USAC and Lifeline Support references so customers can distinguish official Lifeline rules from provider-specific free phone and service offers.