What is the best free government phone program?

Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are the most widely accepted and federally funded programs. Providers like Cliq Mobile make it easy to apply and include generous talk, text, and data plans.

Who qualifies for a free government phone?

Anyone who receives benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or has a household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify.

How do I get a free government phone with Medicaid or SNAP?

If you’re enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP, you qualify automatically. Simply apply online and upload proof of your participation.

What documents do I need to prove I qualify?

You'll need a document showing participation in a qualifying program (e.g., EBT card, Medicaid letter), or income documentation like pay stubs or a tax return.

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Eligibility for free government phone service

How to Qualify for a Free Government Phone

Wondering if you qualify for a free government phone or discounted internet service? If you’re enrolled in a government assistance program like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI — or if your income is below a certain level — you may be eligible for free wireless service through the Lifeline or ACP program* . Below is a list of programs that qualify you instantly.

See If I Qualify→

✅ Check if you qualify in under 2 minutes

*ACP is currently paused due to lack of government funding.. Click here to join the ACP waitlist so that you're first in line to receive benefits if/when it returns

beautiful brown woman using her free government phone while a cute baby is sitting on her lap.

Qualify Based On Government Program

You may qualify for free government phone service if you participate in any of these government programs:

Qualifying Program	How This Helps You Qualify for Lifeline/ACP
SNAP (Food Stamps)	If you receive SNAP benefits, you automatically qualify for a free government phone or discounted internet service through the Lifeline or ACP program.
Medicaid	Medicaid recipients are eligible for Lifeline and ACP benefits, which provide free or discounted wireless service to low-income households.
Medi-Cal	California’s version of Medicaid qualifies residents for free phone and internet through Lifeline and ACP.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	If you receive SSI, you’re eligible for Lifeline and ACP benefits that offer free wireless and data services.
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)	HUD programs like Section 8 qualify you for free government phones and internet under the Lifeline and ACP programs.
Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit	Veterans and their families receiving these benefits are eligible for discounted or free mobile phone and data plans.
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance	Provides direct financial assistance to Native Americans, which qualifies recipients for Lifeline and ACP support.
Tribal TANF	Tribal TANF recipients qualify for enhanced Lifeline and ACP benefits on Tribal lands, including additional support and higher data plans.
Head Start (Income-Based)	Families eligible for Head Start due to income are also eligible for government phone and internet programs.
FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)	Receiving FDPIR benefits means you’re eligible for Lifeline and ACP support, especially on Tribal lands.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)	If you’re enrolled in WIC, you may qualify for discounted phone or broadband service under the federal Lifeline program.
Free or Reduced School Lunch / Breakfast	Children enrolled in these school meal programs qualify their families for Lifeline and ACP benefits. CEP participation also applies.
Federal Pell Grant (Current Year)	College students receiving Pell Grants are eligible for discounted or free high-speed internet and mobile service.
Income-Based Eligibility	Households earning 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify without being enrolled in a benefit program.
Safe Connections Act (SCA)	Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may qualify for phone service support by demonstrating financial hardship or separation from abuser’s phone plan.

Qualify Based on Income

Even if you don’t participate in any government programs, you can still qualify for free government phone service based on your household income. Lifeline eligibility extends to households whose total income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Household Size	Contiguous U.S., D.C., and Territories	Alaska	Hawaii
1 Person Household	$20,331	$25,394	$23,369
2 People	$27,594	$34,479	$31,725
3 People	$34,857	$43,565	$40,082
4 People	$42,120	$52,650	$48,438
5 People	$49,383	$61,736	$56,795
6 People	$56,646	$70,821	$65,151
7 People	$63,909	$79,907	$73,508
8 People	$71,172	$88,992	$81,864
Each Additional Person	$7,263	$9,086	$8,357

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FAQ

Got Questions About Qualifying? We’ve Got Answers.

Whether you’re on Medicaid, SNAP, or just wondering if your income qualifies, this section covers everything you need to know to get free or discounted service.

Have a question in mind?

How to Qualify for a Free Government Phone

Qualify Based On Government Program

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Medicaid

Medi-Cal

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

Tribal TANF

Head Start (Income-Based)

FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Free or Reduced School Lunch / Breakfast

Federal Pell Grant (Current Year)

Income-Based Eligibility

Safe Connections Act (SCA)

Qualify Based on Income

1 Person Household

2 People

3 People

4 People

5 People

6 People

7 People

8 People

Each Additional Person

Ready for Your Free Lifeline Phone Service?

Got Questions About Qualifying? We’ve Got Answers.