Lifeline Eligibility: 2026 Income Limits for the Phone and Internet Discount

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you or someone in your household gets SNAP, Medicaid, or certain other benefits.

Who qualifies for Lifeline

You can qualify for Lifeline in two ways.

By income

Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The table below shows the 2026 yearly income limits based on household size and where you live.

These limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii because the cost of living is higher there.

By benefit program

You automatically qualify for Lifeline if you or someone in your household gets any of these benefits:

• SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Certain Tribal programs, if you live on Tribal lands

If you get any of these benefits, you don't need to check income limits. You qualify automatically.

What you get with Lifeline

Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service. You can get the discount on one service per household. The discount amount changes each year and may be different for people living on Tribal lands.

To see the current monthly discount amount, check the official Lifeline website.

How to apply for Lifeline

You can apply in two ways.

Apply online through the Lifeline National Verifier

You can apply directly at the official Lifeline website. The National Verifier will check your eligibility using your income or benefit information.

Apply through a phone or internet company

Many phone and internet companies offer Lifeline service directly. You can apply through the company when you sign up. Ask your provider whether they offer Lifeline.

What to bring when you apply

You will need to provide proof of either your income or your participation in a qualifying benefit program. This helps the program verify that you meet the requirements.

If you're applying based on income, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your salary.

If you're applying based on a benefit program, bring a letter, card, or notice that shows you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or a qualifying Tribal program.

Important things to know

Applying for Lifeline is free. Only the Lifeline program decides whether you qualify.

You can get Lifeline even if you've had problems paying utility bills in the past. Lifeline doesn't check your credit or payment history.

Lifeline works with many different phone and internet companies. The discount applies to the service you choose. Switching services may be an option if your current provider doesn't offer Lifeline.

If your household circumstances change and you're no longer eligible, let Lifeline know. You may also be asked to verify your eligibility every year.