NJ FamilyCare Members Qualify for a Free Lifeline Phone.
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP program. If you're enrolled, your household qualifies for free Lifeline phone service — a federal program that gives low-income families $9.25/month off phone or internet service.
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by the Cliq Mobile editorial team.
What Is NJ FamilyCare?
NJ FamilyCare is the umbrella name for New Jersey's publicly funded health insurance programs. It covers:
- New Jersey Medicaid — free health coverage for low-income adults and children
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) — for kids in households above Medicaid limits but below 200-355% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Managed Care Plans — Aetna Better Health, Horizon NJ Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, WellCare, Fidelis Care
You apply at njfamilycare.org or through the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov.
NJ FamilyCare Medicaid = Lifeline Qualifier
Medicaid is one of the direct federal qualifiers for Lifeline. If you or anyone in your household is enrolled in NJ FamilyCare Medicaid, you qualify for free Lifeline phone service today — no separate income paperwork required.
CHIP enrollees (kids only) aren't on the direct Lifeline qualifier list, but CHIP households almost always meet the 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines income threshold. You can apply on income proof instead.
What you get
Most Lifeline providers in New Jersey deliver the benefit as a free 4G/5G smartphone with unlimited talk and text, a monthly high-speed data allotment, and no contract, credit check, or monthly bill.
Other Programs That Qualify You for Lifeline in NJ
- SNAP (NJ SNAP / food stamps, via Families First EBT card)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
How to Apply for a Free Phone
- Gather your NJ FamilyCare proof — your Member ID card, managed-care plan card, or a recent approval letter from NJ FamilyCare.
- Pick a Lifeline provider — compare Lifeline providers serving New Jersey.
- Apply with the provider — submit your name, address, date of birth, and the last four of your Social Security number, plus your proof.
- Get verified and receive — the National Verifier confirms eligibility and your chosen provider ships the free smartphone.
NJ FamilyCare + Lifeline FAQ
I'm enrolled in NJ FamilyCare Plan D (where I pay a premium). Does that still qualify?
NJ FamilyCare Plan D is CHIP, not Medicaid. CHIP alone isn't a direct Lifeline qualifier, but the income limits usually mean you qualify on income — apply with a pay stub or tax return instead.
My kid is on NJ FamilyCare but I'm not. Does that qualify the household?
Yes. Lifeline is one benefit per household. If a child in the household is on Medicaid, the whole household qualifies — you apply in your own name as the adult.
Can I use my Horizon NJ Health / Aetna Better Health / United Community Plan card as proof?
Yes. Any NJ FamilyCare Medicaid managed-care plan card is valid proof — it confirms you're enrolled in Medicaid.
How is Lifeline different from the old ACP discount I had on internet?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in June 2024 when funding ran out. Lifeline is a separate, permanent program with smaller dollar amounts but ongoing support. Full ACP-to-Lifeline breakdown.