How It Works

Step 1: Check your eligibility

You qualify for Lifeline through a government program or by income. Programs include SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans Pension, and Tribal programs. If you don't participate in any, you may still qualify with household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Our eligibility checker gives you an answer in about two minutes.

Step 2: Apply online

Complete the Free Link Wireless application. You'll provide your name, address, date of birth, and the program you participate in. Have these ready:

• A government-issued photo ID
• Proof of program participation (such as a SNAP or Medicaid letter) or proof of income
• Your current phone account details if you want to keep your number

Step 3: Get verified

Lifeline eligibility is confirmed by the National Verifier, a system run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). In many cases verification is automatic. If the system can't confirm your eligibility, you'll be asked to upload documents. Residents of California, Oregon, and some other states follow a state-run process instead.

Step 4: Receive and activate your phone

Once approved, choose your phone from our phone lineup or bring your own. We ship it free. Then follow our activation guide — or our eSIM guide for iPhone 14 and 15.

Step 5: Stay connected

• Use your service at least once every 30 days if you pay nothing for it.
• Recertify every year when you're notified, or your benefit will end.
• Tell us about changes — if you no longer qualify or move, let us know within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions