Everything you need to know about getting a free government phone through the Lifeline Program
The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit program administered by the FCC that provides discounted or free phone and internet service to eligible low-income households. It was created in 1985 to ensure all Americans have access to essential telecommunications services.
Yes. Approved Lifeline providers offer free smartphones to eligible customers. The exact model varies by provider, but you will receive a working smartphone capable of calls, texts, data, and hotspot usage at no cost.
You qualify if you participate in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Housing Assistance (Section 8), WIC, Veterans Pension, Free School Lunch Program, or Pell Grant. You also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See full eligibility details →
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in June 2024 when Congress did not renew its funding. The Lifeline Program is the current active federal benefit for free phone service. If you previously had ACP, you may still qualify for Lifeline.
You can apply online through an approved Lifeline provider. You'll need to provide proof of eligibility — either documentation of program participation (like a benefit letter or EBT card) or income verification. The application typically takes under 10 minutes.
Yes, in most cases you can port your existing phone number to your Lifeline service. During the application process, indicate that you want to keep your number. Porting typically takes 1-3 business days.
Once your application is approved, your free smartphone typically ships within 5-10 business days. Some providers may offer expedited shipping options.
No. Lifeline service is completely free with no contracts, no monthly bills, and no hidden fees. The service is provided as a federal benefit to eligible households.
No. The Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household. A "household" is defined as anyone living at the same address who shares income and expenses. You cannot receive multiple Lifeline benefits at the same address.
Yes. You must recertify your eligibility annually. Your provider will notify you when it's time to recertify. If you fail to recertify, your Lifeline benefit will be discontinued.
Contact your Lifeline provider to update your address. In most cases, you can continue your service at your new address. If your provider doesn't cover your new area, you may need to switch to a different Lifeline provider.
The exact model varies by provider and availability. You will receive a smartphone that supports calls, texts, data, and hotspot. Models are typically mid-range Android devices. You cannot choose a specific phone model.
Data allowances vary by provider and plan. Most Lifeline plans include a monthly data allocation ranging from 2GB to unlimited data. Some providers offer additional data through top-up options or promotional offers.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision through the Lifeline National Verifier. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation or not meeting eligibility requirements. You can reapply with corrected documentation.
Some Lifeline providers offer phone upgrade options for an additional cost. Contact your specific provider to ask about upgrade availability and pricing. The free phone provided is sufficient for all basic and most smartphone functions.