SNAP
SNAP is a recognized Lifeline program. EBT is commonly how SNAP benefits are delivered.
Learn more →resource
Lifeline Eligibility Guide
Lifeline qualification may be based on household income or participation in a qualifying program, subject to the applicable verification process.
Eligibility guide
Who qualifies for Lifeline in 2026?
A household can qualify through participation in a recognized program or through gross household income at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Only one benefit is allowed per household, with a Household Worksheet used in some shared-address situations.
Program routes that can qualify a household
Medicaid
Current Medicaid participation is a recognized Lifeline route.
Learn more →SSI
Supplemental Security Income is a recognized qualifying program.
Federal Public Housing Assistance
FPHA is included in the standard federal program list.
Veterans and Survivors Pension
The qualifying pension benefit is included in the standard program list.
Tribal programs
Additional qualifying programs can apply to consumers living on Tribal lands.
USAC identifies Texas and Oregon as NLAD opt-out states with state-specific eligibility processes. Do not assume the National Verifier consumer flow applies in the same way in those states.
Practical next step
Use the pre-screen, then follow the applicable verification process
The Gov iPhone checker can compare the income route and common program routes, but it does not replace the official Lifeline eligibility decision.
Lifeline eligibility questions
What are the two main ways to qualify for Lifeline?+
A household can qualify through participation in a recognized program or through gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Does SNAP qualify?+
Yes. SNAP is a recognized Lifeline qualifying program.
Does Medicaid qualify?+
Yes. Medicaid is a recognized Lifeline qualifying program.
What if another Lifeline subscriber lives at my address?+
You may need to complete a Household Worksheet to show that you are part of a separate economic household.
Gov iPhone next step
Continue with the right Gov iPhone step
Use the provider application, eligibility tool, phone catalog or support page that matches your situation.
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.