While there may be minor differences from state to state, Lifeline is a federal government assistance program so qualifications are universal for the most part. There are two ways to qualify for the Lifeline assistance program. The most common way is participation in one of these government programs:
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps)
Section 8 (Federal Public Housing Assistance)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veterans or Survivors Pension Benefits
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
Tribal Head Start (must meet income thresholds)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
The second way to qualify is by your income.
Most states require that your total household income is less than 135% of federal poverty guidelines. So, for most states, 2018 income for a two-person household would need to be at or below $22,221 ($16,460 multiplied by 1.35).
Income levels vary by state, with a few states allowing for higher income:
California – 218% of federal poverty guidelines
Nevada – 175%
Florida, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas – 150%
It’s best to check with Lifeline carriers in your state to confirm income level requirements.
Signing up for free cell phone service through the Lifeline program is simple:
- Find a provider in your state: In the next section, you’ll find a list of all Lifeline carriers along with the states in which they operate.
- Review the information on each carrier’s website: It’s important to look at what each company has to offer Lifeline customers. Cellphones and service plans vary from carrier to carrier so you’ll want to make a thorough assessment before deciding which one is right for you.
- Enroll online or by phone: The most convenient way to enroll in Lifeline’s free cell phone offer is to apply online here. You can typically choose to call, if you prefer, however it’s much easier to enroll online so that you can quickly and easily upload any required documentation.
If possible, enroll in Lifeline via a qualifying program rather than by income requirements. Verification is automated if you participate in a qualifying program, making the process faster and easier. If you register based upon your income level you may be required to provide proofs. Arrival time for your phone may range from a week to several weeks.
What’s Included with Your Free Smartphone?
There are no bills, no credit checks, and no fees ever to participate in this free program. Most Lifeline carriers offer the following:
Free monthly minutes
Free nationwide calling
Free monthly data (some providers)
Ability to connect to Wi-Fi
Free voicemail
Caller ID & three-way calling
911 & 411 calls
Each provider offers a slightly different package, with some carriers giving you multiple options and others allowing you to pay extra to upgrade. For example, SafeLink gives you 350 minutes, unlimited text messages, and 500 MB of data each month; however, you can purchase more minutes and data if you choose. Other carriers, like enTouch, provide minutes and text messages but no data (except in California where you get 500 MB of data).
Can You Bring Your Own Phone to Lifeline?
In some cases, yes, you can use your own device. Once you choose a carrier you should check their website to see what their requirements are for bringing your own phone. If not, most Lifeline carriers now provide customers with a basic smartphone.
What if you don’t qualify? Is there Cheap Cell Phone Service?
What can you do if you’re on a tight budget, yet you don’t qualify for the Lifeline free cell phone program? Or maybe you do qualify but you need more data than the free phone service provides. Fortunately, you still have plenty of options for affordable mobile service. The best way to save money is by going with a cheap cell phone plan through a MVNO – or Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
MVNOs like Twigby, Mint Mobile, and TPO Mobile offer custom plans that allow you to only pay for what you actually need. Plans start as low as $9 per month, and you can bring your own device as long as it’s compatible with the network.
Benefits of MVNOs include:
No contracts
Buy only the minutes, texts, and data you need
Keep your own device
Keep your phone number
Great coverage on one or more of the four big networks
If you’re ready to consider this cost-saving move, compare cell phone plans to help you make your choice.
Recap
It’s worth noting that if you do qualify for Lifeline, you are permitted one phone line per household.
Whether you take advantage of a free cell phone through the government or you use a MVNO to get a cheap cell phone plan, there’s no reason to sweat it out every month over your mobile service bill. There’s something for everyone when it comes to affordable phone service.