Consumer Eligibility
Consumers qualify for Lifeline through income or through participation in a Lifeline-qualifying program. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
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Determine Eligibility with the NV
Service providers must use the National Verifier (NV) to determine eligibility for consumers (except in certain NLAD opt-out states). Consumers may also apply for the Lifeline program on their own using the NV.
For help applying through the NV, refer to the NV instructions and application flow provided by the program administrator.
Income Eligibility
Consumers may qualify for the Lifeline program if they have a gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, DC, & Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 people | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 people | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 people | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 people | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 people | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,014 |
| 7 people | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 people | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| For each additional person, add | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
Note: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2025.
Program Eligibility
Consumers may be eligible for the Lifeline program if they participate in a qualifying program below:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
In addition to the programs listed above and through the income-qualifying standard, consumers living on Tribal lands may also use the following Tribally-administered programs to qualify for Lifeline:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (income-qualifying standard applies)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
One per Household
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household (not per person). A household is defined as a group of people who live together and share income and expenses.
Survivor Eligibility
In certain circumstances, survivors who are temporarily living apart from their household may be able to qualify for an additional Lifeline benefit. Eligibility typically requires documentation and confirmation through the program’s verification process.
