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 seniors 65+ · Updated April 2026
Free phones & internet for seniors, through Lifeline.
If you're on SSI, Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, Section 8, or your household income is modest, you qualify for a free phone plus monthly service — and free home internet too. Here's how it works, without the jargon.
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.
The 5 paths seniors usually qualify through.
You only need one. If you're unsure, our 30-second checker will find the right path for your situation.
1. Medicaid (including dual-eligibles)
If you're on Medicaid — or if you have Medicare + a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI) which automatically enrolls you in Medicaid — you qualify. This covers most financially-eligible seniors.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is not the same as regular Social Security. SSI is a needs-based benefit for low-income seniors and disabled adults. If you receive SSI, you may qualify for Lifeline, subject to provider or National Verifier approval.
3. Income under 135% of federal poverty line
For 2026: $21,128/year for a single-person household. $28,553 for two people. Include Social Security retirement when calculating; exclude SSI. Many retirees on fixed Social Security qualify.
4. Section 8 housing
If you live in federal public housing, Section 8 voucher housing, or project-based Section 8, you qualify. Your housing voucher or HUD lease letter is your proof.
5. Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
VA needs-based Pension (different from VA disability) and VA Survivors Benefit qualify you. If you or your spouse served during a wartime period and your household income is low, check with the VA — you may be eligible for Pension and therefore Lifeline. See our veterans guide for detail.
What you'll actually get.
$0/mo
Phone service
Unlimited talk & text plus monthly data (usually 4-10GB)
Free
Smartphone
Most providers ship a free Android phone. You can also bring your own.
$0-20
Home internet
Apply the Lifeline benefit to home internet instead of phone.
Best Lifeline providers for seniors.
Our 2026 picks — ranked independently. These providers are known for responsive customer service (important when you need help), a decent free phone out of the box, and clear billing.
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 seniors ask us most.
Check your Lifeline eligibility.
30 seconds. No credit card. We'll email you the providers that fit your situation and state.