Income-Based Free Government Phone Eligibility
Don't receive benefits? You may still qualify for a Free Government Phone based on household income.
You qualify for Lifeline by income if your household's total gross income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a household of one in the 48 contiguous states and DC, that's $21,128 per year (2025 guidelines).
Lifeline income limits by household size
Maximum yearly household income (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 48 states + DC). Bars show household size.
Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines × 135%. Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. Limits update yearly — confirm on USAC's Lifeline site.
Lifeline income limits table
| Household size | Yearly limit | Monthly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $1,761 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $2,379 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $2,998 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $3,617 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $4,236 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $4,854 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $5,473 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $6,092 |
| Each additional person | +$7,425 | +$619 |
Higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii. Limits are updated each year — confirm current figures on USAC's Lifeline Support website.
What is a household?
A household is everyone who lives at the same address and shares income and expenses. Roommates who don't share money are separate households and can each get Lifeline.
Acceptable proof of income
- Prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from an employer or a paycheck stub
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Retirement or pension statement
- Unemployment or workers' compensation statement
- Divorce decree or child support award
If using pay stubs, provide three consecutive months.
Frequently asked questions
Is the income limit before or after taxes?
Before taxes. Lifeline uses gross household income.
Do I count my roommate's income?
Only if you share income and expenses. Otherwise you're separate households.
Does child support count as income?
Yes. Income from all sources, including child support and Social Security, is counted.
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