START HERE
Find a possible route, then let the official process verify it.
- SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, certain housing assistance, and Veterans Pension are common program routes.
- Household income at or below 135% of the current federal guideline is another route.
- A child or dependent's qualifying program may count for your household.
Which programs count?
You or a child or dependent in your household may participate in one of these qualifying programs:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance, including some Section 8 programs
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
What is the income route?
For standard Lifeline, household income must be at or below 135% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. The 2026 amount varies by household size and whether you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or the other states and territories. Use the calculator on this site for an estimate and confirm with USAC.
Does age or status qualify me?
Being a senior, veteran, student, unemployed, or receiving Social Security retirement benefits does not automatically qualify you. A qualifying program or the income route may still apply. Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit is a specific qualifying program; Social Security retirement is different from SSI.
What if I live on Tribal lands?
Eligible Tribal lands have additional qualifying programs, including BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, qualifying Head Start, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The Tribal benefit amount can differ.
What is a household?
A household is people who live together and share income and expenses. Separate households can sometimes share an address. The verifier may request a Household Worksheet if another Lifeline subscriber lives there.
Reviewed September 2026. Rules, offers, and account decisions may change; confirm your next step with the official source.
USAC: How to Qualify ↗