Guide for 2024 Lifeline Eligibility (Cell Phone Benefit)

Lifeline is different than other benefit programs because you get the benefit through a Lifeline provider—one of many private companies that offer mobile or internet service—even though it's the government checking your eligibility for the program. The Lifeline providers that you are able to choose from vary by state, and so the exact benefits you may receive may vary.

There are a few ways to get your benefit if you're eligible for Lifeline.

The most common Lifeline benefit is a free cell phone plan. The legal requirement is that the plan has a minimum of 1000 free minutes per month and 4.5 GB of data per month. However, most plans also include free text messaging, and many may offer more minutes or data.

Some Lifeline providers also include a free smartphone when you enroll in their Lifeline plan. With other plans, you can keep your current phone if it is compatible.

If you already have a phone or internet plan, you might be able to get up to a $9.25 monthly credit on your plan. Unfortunately, many providers do not participate in the Lifeline program, so if that's the case your best option might be to research Lifeline providers in your area and see if it's worth switching to a new provider.

Verizon and AT&T offer Lifeline discounts in some states.

You're eligible for Lifeline if you, someone in your household, or your child or dependent gets any of the following benefits:

Most people qualify for Lifeline through Medicaid. You can also qualify for Lifeline based on your income, even if you don't receive any of the benefit programs listed above.

You can be eligible for Lifeline based on your income, even if you don't receive any government benefits. The limit is 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. The numbers below can be compared to your total monthly household income before taxes, including job, self-employment, and other income like social security, disability, child support, workers' compensation, unemployment, and pension income.

Even if your income is above the income level in the table below, you still may be eligible. In the majority of states, SNAP has higher income limits than Lifeline, and if you're able to get SNAP, you're automatically eligible for Lifeline.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government program that provided free/discounted internet service, very similar to how the Lifeline program gives free/discounted service primarily for phones. The ACP stopped accepting new applications in February 2024. Many of the Lifeline providers also previously offered ACP benefits.