Check Eligibility

Check Your Eligibility for a
Free Government Phone

How the 2026 Free Government
Phone Eligibility Tool Works

If you are wondering whether you qualify for a free smartphone and monthly wireless service, you’ve come to the right place. Navigating government regulations can be confusing, which is why we designed this Interactive Eligibility Quiz and Income Calculator.

Our tool is updated with the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines to help you determine your status in less than two minutes, ensuring you don’t waste time on applications that might get rejected.

Why You Should Check Your Eligibility First

The Lifeline program updates its income thresholds and qualifying criteria annually. By using this tool before starting your formal application, you gain a clear understanding of your standing. You will know exactly which documents, such as a SNAP award letter or Medicaid enrollment card, you need to have ready to ensure a smooth approval process.

Two Main Paths to Qualify for Lifeline in 2026

There are two primary ways to become eligible for a free government phone and data plan:

1. Participation in Government Assistance Programs

If you or anyone in your household is currently enrolled in a federal assistance program, you are automatically eligible for Lifeline benefits. The most common programs include:

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / Food Stamps)

  • Medicaid

  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Our quiz asks about these programs first because they offer the fastest route to “Instant Approval.”

2. Income-Based Eligibility

Even if you are not enrolled in the programs mentioned above, you may still qualify based on your total household income. For 2026, the rule generally requires your annual income to be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Because calculating this manually is difficult, our Income Calculator does the work for you. Simply select your household size and adjust the slider to your approximate annual income; the tool will instantly tell you if you meet the financial requirements.

Free Phone Eligibility Checker 2025

Eligibility Quiz 2025

Answer 10 quick questions to check your status.

1. Do you receive SNAP (Food Stamps)?

2. Do you have Medicaid coverage?

3. Do you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

(Not just regular Social Security)

4. Do you live in Federal Public Housing?

(Section 8 or Housing Assistance)

5. Are you a Veteran receiving a Pension?

(Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit)

6. Do you live on Tribal Lands?

(You may qualify for enhanced benefits)

7. Do you participate in WIC?

(Women, Infants, and Children Program)

8. Are you 18 years of age or older?

(Or an emancipated minor)

9. Do you already have a Lifeline phone?

10. Is your income considered "Low Income"?

(Approx. under $20k/year for 1 person)

You Likely Qualify!

Based on your answers (Program Participation), you should be approved immediately.

View Providers

You Can Switch!

Since you already have a Lifeline phone, you don't need to re-apply. You can Transfer your benefit to a new company to get a better phone.

See Transfer Deals

Check Your Income

You didn't select a major government program. However, you might still qualify based on your salary.

Please use the Calculator below to be sure.

Check Calculator 👇

Not Eligible

You must be 18 years or older (or an emancipated minor) to apply for this federal program.

Income Eligibility Calculator

Don't have benefits? Check if your salary qualifies you.

Household Size:
Annual Income $0
$0 $60k+
Status
QUALIFIED
Includes Free Smartphone & Data

Based on 2025 Lifeline Guidelines (135% Federal Poverty Level).