1
Assurance Wireless
T-Mobile network
4.5 / 5
- Plan
- Unlimited talk & text + up to 6GB high-speed data
- Devices
- Free smartphone included (BYOD available)
- Best for
- Best overall for most households
Works with BLU C5L Max
For low-income households · Updated April 2026
Free phone service for low-income households — 2026.
If your household earns under $21,128/year (1 person) or $28,553/year (2 people), you may qualify for a free or discounted monthly phone plan through the federal Lifeline program. Some providers may include a basic smartphone; current offers vary.
Lifeline is free
You will never pay for the benefit itself. The government pays it directly to your chosen phone provider.
Keep your number
You can bring your current phone number over. Nothing you care about gets left behind.
No spam. No robocalls.
We use your email only for the provider list you asked for and your renewal reminders. We never sell it to advertisers.
Questions? Use our contact form or email [email protected]. We reply within one business day.
What is Lifeline, exactly?
Lifeline is a federal program that's been helping low-income Americans pay for phone and internet service since 1985. It's administered by the FCC through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and paid for by a small surcharge on everyone's phone bill.
The way it works: if you qualify, the government pays your chosen phone provider $9.25 per month (more in states with stacking supplements) toward your service. Providers typically provide a no-cost plan (unlimited talk, text, and a data allotment) plus a free basic Android smartphone.
You never pay. You don't need a credit card. You don't owe money later. The only requirement is annual re-certification — once a year, you confirm you still qualify.
2026 income limits (you must be at or below).
| Household size | 48 states + DC | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,286 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,694 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,995 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,296 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,597 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,898 | $67,015 |
Each additional household member adds ~$7,425 (48 states) / $9,301 (AK) / $8,546 (HI). Limits updated annually based on HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Best Lifeline providers for 2026.
Our independent ranking. All offer free monthly service; these are our picks for reliability, coverage, and customer service.
2
SafeLink Wireless
Verizon network
4.3 / 5
- Plan
- Unlimited talk & text + data (varies by state)
- Devices
- Free smartphone included
- Best for
- Best for rural areas on Verizon's network
3
TruConnect
T-Mobile network
4.4 / 5
- Plan
- Unlimited talk & text + high-speed 5G data
- Devices
- Free smartphone or BYOD
- Best for
- Best for 5G data
Works with BLU C5L Max
4
AirTalk Wireless
T-Mobile network
4.2 / 5
- Plan
- Unlimited talk & text + 10GB+ high-speed data
- Devices
- Free Android smartphone
- Best for
- Best for data-heavy users
Works with BLU C5L Max
Questions we hear most.
See if you qualify.
30 seconds. No credit card. We'll email you the best Lifeline providers for your state and situation.