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Eligibility · The iPhone, US Lifeline Wireless ProviderCheck Your Eligibility for a Free iPhone
We are The iPhone, an approved US Lifeline wireless provider. You can qualify in two ways: through a government assistance program you already receive, or through your household income. Use the free checker below, it takes about a minute.
$9.25/mo Lifeline benefit | $34.25/mo on Tribal lands | 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Answer 3 Quick Questions
Tell us about the help you receive and your household. We will compare your answers with the 2026 Lifeline rules and show your result right here.
Two Ways to Qualify for Lifeline
You only need one of them. Most of our customers qualify through a program they are already enrolled in, so approval is fast.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
If you receive SNAP benefits, you qualify for Lifeline. Have your benefit letter or award notice ready when you apply.
Medicaid
Being enrolled in Medicaid qualifies you, including many state health plans that run under the Medicaid program.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a qualifying program. This is different from regular Social Security retirement benefits.
Federal Public Housing
If you live in Federal Public Housing or receive a Section 8 housing voucher, you qualify for Lifeline.
Veterans Pension
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit recipients qualify. Thank you for your service, we are glad to help you apply.
Or Qualify by Income
No program? You can still qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See the full 2026 table below.
Living on Tribal lands? Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and income-qualifying Head Start also count, and your benefit rises to $34.25 a month.
Lifeline Income Limits for 2026
Your household income must be at or below the amount for your household size. These are the official 2026 limits at 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | Maximum Yearly Income (2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 |
| 2 people | $29,214 |
| 3 people | $36,882 |
| 4 people | $44,550 |
| 5 people | $52,218 |
| 6 people | $59,886 |
| 7 people | $67,554 |
| 8 people | $75,222 |
| Each extra person | Add $7,668 |
Limits shown are for the 48 mainland states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. A household means everyone living with you who shares income and expenses. Source: 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS), Lifeline rules via USAC.
Documents for Your Application
Having these ready makes approval much faster. Clear phone photos of documents are usually accepted.
- Photo ID: a driver’s license, state ID, passport or other official ID with your name and date of birth.
- Proof of your program (if you qualify by program): a benefit award letter or program statement showing your name and the program, dated within the last 12 months.
- Proof of income (if you qualify by income): a recent pay stub, last year’s tax return, or a benefits statement showing your yearly income.
- Your details: your full legal name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, or a Tribal ID number.
One Benefit Per Household
Lifeline allows one benefit per household, not one per person. If someone at your address already gets Lifeline on any phone or internet plan, a second line at the same address usually will not be approved.
A Quick Honest Note About ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024. Pell Grants, WIC and free school lunch qualified under ACP only, so they no longer qualify you on their own. Students can still qualify through the programs and income rules above. See our student iPhone guide.
From Checking to Your Free iPhone
Apply With Us
Complete the short application on our apply page. It takes a few minutes, and there is no fee to apply.
We Verify Your Eligibility
Your details are checked through the National Verifier. If a document is needed, we will tell you exactly which one.
Pick Your iPhone
Once approved, choose your iPhone. Free refurbished models and discounted upgrades are on our phones page.
Eligibility FAQs
What is the income limit for a free iPhone in 2026?
Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For one person that is $21,546 a year in 2026. A household of four can earn up to $44,550. See the full table on this page for every household size.
Can I qualify with SNAP or food stamps?
Yes. SNAP is one of the main qualifying programs for Lifeline. If you receive SNAP benefits, you can apply with your benefit letter or award notice as proof, and you do not need to meet the income test as well.
Can I qualify with Medicaid?
Yes. Enrollment in Medicaid qualifies you for Lifeline, including many state health plans that operate under Medicaid. Keep your Medicaid card or enrollment letter ready for your application.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need a photo ID, plus either proof of a qualifying program (such as a benefit award letter) or proof of income (such as a pay stub or tax return). You will also give your name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number or a Tribal ID number.
Can two people in my home each get a free iPhone?
Usually no. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, so only one person at an address can have an active Lifeline benefit at a time, whether it is used for phone or internet service.
I am a student. Does a Pell Grant qualify me?
Not on its own. There is no standalone student program for a free iPhone. Pell Grants qualified under the ACP program, which ended on June 1, 2024. Students can still qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, another listed program, or the household income rules on this page.
Is the benefit higher on Tribal lands?
Yes. The standard Lifeline benefit is $9.25 a month, and it rises to $34.25 a month for eligible households on Tribal lands. Tribal TANF, BIA General Assistance, FDPIR and income-qualifying Head Start also count as qualifying programs.
Still unsure? Visit our Support page and we will help you check.
Think You Qualify? Apply in Minutes
Your check above takes a minute, and the application itself is free. If you are approved, your free iPhone and Lifeline service can be on their way.
Start My ApplicationThe iPhone is a private wireless service provider participating in the FCC Lifeline program. We are not Apple Inc. and not a government agency. Lifeline is a federal benefit program administered by USAC; eligibility is confirmed through the National Verifier, benefit is limited to one per household, and offers depend on eligibility and stock. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024.