Income Threshold
Your total household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Program Participation
Automatic qualification through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Housing, or Tribal programs.
One-per-household
Only one Lifeline/ACP device discount is allowed per household (not per person).
Annual Recertification
You must verify your eligibility every year to keep receiving your free service and benefits.
How to Qualify
There are two primary ways to qualify for free government tablets through the Lifeline program.
Check Income Requirements
Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Verify Program Participation
Alternatively, participate in qualifying government assistance programs
One Benefit Per Household
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household
Annual Recertification
You must recertify your eligibility every year to maintain benefits
2025 Income Guidelines
The federal government updates poverty guidelines annually. To qualify based on income, your total household income (before taxes) must be at or below 135% of these federal guidelines.
Important Notes:
- Income includes all working household members.
- Based on gross annual income (before taxes).
- Guidelines are typically updated every January/February.
Income Limits by Household Size
Qualifying Government Programs
If you participate in any of these federal assistance programs, you automatically qualify for Lifeline benefits, regardless of your income level.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Provides monthly food benefits for eligible low-income individuals and families (formerly known as Food Stamps).
Medicaid
A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Federal payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits.
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Housing assistance for very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled (includes Section 8 vouchers).
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Monthly payment to wartime veterans with limited or no income who meet certain age or disability requirements.
WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children provides federal grants for healthcare and nutrition.
Free School Lunch Program
Federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools for eligible children.
Tribal Assistance (TTANF)
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance to eligible Native American families.
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Cash assistance for essential needs like food, clothing, shelter, and utilities for Native Americans.
Important Eligibility Notes
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household is allowed
- You must provide documentation proving program participation or income eligibility
- Eligibility must be recertified annually to maintain benefits
- False statements on applications may result in criminal prosecution
- Benefits cannot be transferred to other individuals or households
Ready to Prove Your Eligibility?
To complete your application, you may need to provide one of the following documents to verify your eligibility.
Identity Proof
Government-issued ID, Driver's License, US Passport, or Birth Certificate showing your full legal name and date of birth.
Income Proof
Prior year's state, federal, or tribal tax return, 3 consecutive current pay stubs, or a Social Security statement of benefits.
Program Proof
Award letter or benefit statement (dated within the last 12 months) from a qualifying program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
Check Your Eligibility
Find out if you qualify for free government tablet programs in just a few steps.