Lifeline eligibility

Free Government Phone with Tribal programs

Households on qualifying Tribal lands receive an enhanced Lifeline benefit — substantially more than the standard discount. Qualifying programs include Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, and Head Start where the income condition is met.

Check if you qualify

How Tribal programs gets you a free phone

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

Also searched as: “Tribal TANF” ,“Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance” ,“Head Start” ,“FDPIR” .

What counts as proof

A benefit letter or statement from the administering Tribal or federal agency, plus confirmation that your address is on qualifying Tribal land.

How to apply

Check your household qualifies. Anyone in the household on Tribal programs is enough.
Gather your documents. A benefit letter or statement from the administering Tribal or federal agency, plus confirmation that your address is on qualifying Tribal land.
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 being on Tribal programs 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.