Lifeline Free Phone program: the complete 2026 guide
Lifeline is the federal program behind every free government phone. Here is how it works, in plain English.
Quick answer
What is the Lifeline Free Phone program?
Lifeline is a federal benefit that lowers the cost of phone or internet service by up to $9.25 a month, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands, for eligible low-income households. With FreeCall Wireless, that benefit covers your whole plan, so you get a Lifeline Free Phone and free monthly service.
- $9.25 a month
- $34.25 on Tribal lands
- One per household
- Recertify yearly
How much is the Lifeline benefit?
| Benefit | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| Standard Lifeline support | $9.25 |
| Enhanced Tribal support (qualifying Tribal lands) | $34.25 |
| What you pay with FreeCall Wireless | $0 |
Who is eligible for Lifeline?
You are eligible if you or someone in your household participates in a qualifying program, or if your income is at or below 135%% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal programs on Tribal lands
| Household size | 48 states and D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| Each additional person | +$7,668 | +$9,585 | +$8,816 |
What are the Lifeline minimum service standards?
The FCC sets minimums so Lifeline plans stay useful. Through December 1, 2026, a mobile broadband plan must include at least 4.5 GB of data a month, and a voice plan must include at least 1,000 minutes. FreeCall Wireless plans include unlimited talk and text plus monthly data.
What are the Lifeline rules?
- One per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses.
- Non-transferable. You cannot give or sell your benefit to someone else.
- Use it. Use your service at least once every 30 days, or it may be cancelled after a 15-day notice.
- Recertify yearly. Confirm your eligibility every year.
- Report changes. Tell your provider within 30 days if you no longer qualify.
How do I apply for a Lifeline Free Phone?
You can apply directly with FreeCall Wireless. We submit your application to the National Verifier (or your state system), which checks government databases to confirm your benefits. If it cannot, you upload a document. See how it works or apply now.
Is Lifeline the same as ACP?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a separate, temporary internet benefit that stopped taking new funding in 2024. Lifeline is permanent and still available in 2026.
What does FreeCall Wireless Lifeline service include?
| Feature | FreeCall Wireless Lifeline |
|---|---|
| Monthly price | $0 for eligible customers |
| Talk | Unlimited |
| Text | Unlimited |
| Data | Monthly high-speed data; see Broadband Facts |
| Eligibility verification | USAC National Verifier (or your state process) |
| Benefit limit | One Lifeline benefit per household |
How does enrollment work?
- 1
Apply
Complete the application online, by phone or in our Tulsa office.
- 2
Verify
We submit your details to the National Verifier, which confirms your eligibility and checks for duplicates.
- 3
Send proof if asked
Use Upload Proof if a document is needed.
- 4
Get connected
Your phone or SIM ships; follow it on Order Tracking.
Plan, device and data terms
Lifeline service is non-transferable and limited to one benefit per household. Plan details, speeds and data are shown on Broadband Facts. Device co-pays, where they apply, are shown before checkout and covered by our returns policy. Survivors of domestic violence can request line separation and emergency support under the Safe Connections Act.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lifeline still available in 2026?
Yes. Lifeline is a permanent federal program and is fully available in 2026.
Can I have Lifeline on my home internet and my phone?
No. You can apply the benefit to one service per household: wireless, home phone or internet.
What is the National Verifier?
It is the system USAC uses to confirm eligibility. It checks state and federal databases so most people do not need to send documents.
Can I get Lifeline if someone else in my home already has it?
Not if you share income and expenses. If you are a separate household at the same address, you can apply and complete a household worksheet.
What happens if I stop using my Lifeline phone?
If you do not use the service for 30 days, we send a notice. If you still do not use it within 15 days, the benefit is removed.
Can Lifeline be used for internet?
Yes. The benefit can be applied to broadband. With FreeCall Wireless, your mobile plan includes data and hotspot.
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
- USAC: Lifeline program overview
- Lifeline Support (USAC): How to qualify
- HHS ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- FCC: Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers
- USAC: Lifeline minimum service standards
- Lifeline Support (USAC): Your rights
- eCFR: 47 CFR Part 54, Subpart E (Lifeline rules)
- FCC: Rules implementing the Safe Connections Act
Spotted something out of date? Email support@freecallwireless.com and we will correct it.
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