Lifeline eligibility

Free Government Phone with SNAP

SNAP is the most common route onto Lifeline. If anyone in your household receives SNAP, the household qualifies — your income is not assessed separately.

Check if you qualify

How SNAP gets you a free phone

SNAP is one of the qualifying programs for Lifeline, the federal benefit that discounts phone and internet service for low-income households. Enrollment in SNAP qualifies your entire household — you do not need to pass an income test as well.

Also searched as: “food stamps” ,“EBT” .

What counts as proof

Your SNAP award letter, a benefit statement dated within the last 12 months, or a screenshot of your state benefits portal showing your name and the current benefit period.

How to apply

  1. Check your household qualifies. Anyone in the household on SNAP is enough.
  2. Gather your documents. Your SNAP award letter, a benefit statement dated within the last 12 months, or a screenshot of your state benefits portal showing your name and the current benefit period.
  3. Apply at the National Verifier. Every Lifeline application is checked by USAC at lifelinesupport.org.
  4. 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 being on SNAP 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.

Lifeline by state

Related guides