Lifeline Income Limits 2026 by household size
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Quick answer
What is the Lifeline income limit in 2026?
The 2026 Lifeline income limit is 135% of the federal poverty guidelines: $21,546 a year for one person, $29,214 for two, $36,882 for three and $44,550 for four in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Add $7,668 for each additional person. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
- $21,546 for 1 person
- $44,550 for 4 people
- 135% of FPG
What is the Lifeline income limit for 2026?
| Household size | 48 states + D.C. (yearly) | 48 states + D.C. (monthly) | Alaska (yearly) | Hawaii (yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $1,796 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $2,434 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $3,074 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $3,712 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| 5 people | $52,218 | $4,352 | $65,273 | $60,048 |
| 6 people | $59,886 | $4,990 | $74,858 | $68,864 |
| 7 people | $67,554 | $5,630 | $84,443 | $77,679 |
| 8 people | $75,222 | $6,268 | $94,028 | $86,495 |
| Each additional person | +$7,668 | +$639 | +$9,585 | +$8,816 |
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How is the limit calculated?
The limit is 135% of the poverty guidelines published each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2026, the poverty guideline is $15,960 for one person in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Multiply by 1.35 and you get $21,546. Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines because living costs are higher there.
What counts as income?
- Wages, salaries and tips before taxes
- Self-employment and gig income
- Social Security, SSDI and retirement or pension income
- Unemployment and workers' compensation
- Child support and alimony received
- Veterans disability compensation
What proof of income works?
- Last year's state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Three consecutive months of pay stubs
- A Social Security, Veterans or retirement benefit statement
- An unemployment or workers' compensation statement
- A divorce decree or child support award
When do the limits change?
HHS updates the guidelines every January, and Lifeline limits usually update soon after. These 2026 figures apply now. We update this page when new limits are published.
What if my income is just over the limit?
Check whether anyone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing aid or a Veterans Pension. Any one of those qualifies your household no matter what your income is.
Frequently asked questions
Is the income limit based on gross or net income?
Gross income: the amount before taxes and deductions.
Do SNAP benefits count as income?
No. SNAP and other non-cash benefits are not counted as income for Lifeline.
What if my income changes during the year?
You only need to be under the limit when you apply and when you recertify. Tell us within 30 days if you stop qualifying.
Is the limit monthly or yearly?
The limit is yearly. Divide by 12 for a monthly figure.
What if I get paid in cash?
Report all income. You can provide other proof such as a signed statement from an employer or tax return.
Sources and last update
Reviewed and updated on by the FreeCall Wireless team. Program figures come from these official sources:
- FCC: Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
- Lifeline Support (USAC): How to qualify
- USAC: Lifeline consumer eligibility
- HHS ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- USAC: Lifeline program overview
Spotted something out of date? Email support@freecallwireless.com and we will correct it.
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