PR · updated April 2026
Fondo Universal de Servicios: Free Phone & Service Guide (2026)
Lifeline is a federal program giving eligible low-income Puerto Rico residents $9.25/month off phone or internet service. Most people qualify through Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Veterans Pension. You apply through a participating provider, not the government — one application and you're done.
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.
Get your Puerto Rico provider list by email.
Tell us your ZIP and which programs you're on. We'll email you the Lifeline providers that fit your situation best — in plain English, no sales pitch.
Already on Fondo Universal de Servicios? Don't lose it.
We'll remind you 60, 30, and 7 days before your renewal deadline so your benefit doesn't lapse.
Two benefits, stacked
Fondo Universal de Servicios adds to federal Lifeline.
Puerto Rico's Fondo Universal de Servicios supplements the federal Lifeline discount. Qualifying residents can receive up to ~$14.25/mo combined off phone or internet service, with amounts varying by provider.
Who qualifies for Lifeline in Puerto Rico?
Lifeline eligibility rules are federal — they apply the same way in Puerto Rico as they do nationwide:
- Program-based: You may qualify if you (or anyone in your household) participate in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing, Veterans Pension, or certain tribal programs.
- Income-based: You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
See our full Lifeline program guide for the complete rules and income tables.
How to apply for Lifeline in Puerto Rico.
Pick a provider.
Use the ranking above. Most national providers serve Puerto Rico.
Click “Check availability” on their card.
You'll land on the provider's own application page.
Upload proof of eligibility.
A SNAP card, Medicaid card, benefit letter, or pay stubs all work.
Wait for verification.
Approval timing varies by provider and whether your eligibility can be verified automatically or needs document review.
Receive your SIM card or free phone and activate.
Follow the simple steps that come in the box.
Optional upgrade
Want a better phone in Puerto Rico?
For providers on T-Mobile's network, the BLU C5L Max is $45 — a real upgrade over the basic free phones shipped with most Lifeline plans.
Puerto Rico Lifeline questions, answered.
Lifeline by county in Puerto Rico.
Local subscriber counts and demographic data by Puerto Rico county.
Keep going.
National free government phone guide
Eligibility, application steps, costs, phones, and what varies by provider.
Best Lifeline providers 2026
Our full national ranking with coverage notes.
How Lifeline works
The program explained in plain English.
Want an iPhone specifically?
Free iPhones are uncommon; BYOD may work with an unlocked compatible iPhone.
Need a 5G phone or plan?
Verify 5G coverage, device compatibility, and provider terms before applying.
Q Link Wireless help
If your Q Link service stopped — what to do next.
Ready to see if you qualify for Puerto Rico Lifeline?
Takes about 30 seconds. No credit card. We'll email you the Puerto Rico providers that fit your situation.