Lifeline eligibility

Lifeline Income Limits 2026

If you are not on any qualifying program, you can still qualify on income alone — at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The limit depends on your household size and whether you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or everywhere else.

Check if you qualify

The 2026 Lifeline income limits

Lifeline's income route is 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Three tables are published each year: one for the 48 contiguous states, D.C. and the territories, and separate, higher tables for Alaska and Hawaii.

Alaska

Household size	Annual income limit
1 person	$26,933
2 people	$36,518
3 people	$46,103
4 people	$55,688
5 people	$65,273
6 people	$74,858
7 people	$84,443
8 people	$94,028
Each additional person	+$9,585

Hawaii

Household size	Annual income limit
1 person	$24,786
2 people	$33,602
3 people	$42,417
4 people	$51,233
5 people	$60,048
6 people	$68,864
7 people	$77,679
8 people	$86,495
Each additional person	+$8,816

48 contiguous states, D.C. and territories

Household size	Annual income limit
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 additional person	+$7,668

What counts as proof of income

Last year's tax return, three consecutive months of pay stubs, a Social Security statement of benefits, or an unemployment or retirement benefit statement.

How to apply

Check your household qualifies. Compare your total household income, before tax, against the table for your state.
Gather your documents. Last year's tax return, three consecutive months of pay stubs, a Social Security statement of benefits, or an unemployment or retirement benefit statement.
Apply at the National Verifier. Every Lifeline application is checked by USAC at lifelinesupport.org.
Pick a provider. Approval is not service. Choose a company that covers your ZIP and enroll with them.

Which providers to apply to

Every approved Lifeline provider accepts every qualifying route, so qualifying on income does not limit your choice. What limits it is geography. Start with your state:

Find the providers that serve your ZIP code

Provider coverage is licensed ZIP by ZIP. Tell us where you live and we will show you which companies actually operate there, plus whether your household clears the income limit.

Check my eligibility

Four questions, about two minutes. Runs entirely in your browser — we do not store your answers or send them anywhere.