Updated October 2026 · 2026 income limits
Free government phones & Lifeline internet, state by state
Find out if you qualify for up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service, compare Lifeline providers in your city, and learn what replaced the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- states + DC
- 50
- city guides
- 1,000
- Lifeline providers
- 1,109
- max monthly discount
- $34.25
Guides for every situation
- Lifeline phone & internet Up to $9.25/month off service. Eligibility, income limits and providers for every state.
- Free government phones How carriers include a free smartphone with Lifeline, what you get and how to sign up.
- Tablets, iPads & laptops What changed after the ACP device discount ended, plus real low-cost options.
- What happened to ACP The ACP ended June 1, 2024. How to switch to Lifeline and find cheaper internet.
- Unemployment benefits How to file, stay eligible and appeal, plus phone and internet help while you look for work.
- Provider directory 1,109 Lifeline companies and 1,767 former ACP providers A–Z.
Do you qualify for Lifeline?
You qualify if anyone in your household receives one of these benefits:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), including Section 8 vouchers
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs, if you live on Tribal lands
Or if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines (see the table). Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits; check your state guide.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify every year.
2026 income limits (lower 48 + DC)
| Household size | Max yearly income (135%) | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $1,795 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $2,434 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $3,073 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $3,712 |
| 5 people | $52,218 | $4,351 |
| 6 people | $59,886 | $4,990 |
| 7 people | $67,554 | $5,629 |
| 8 people | $75,222 | $6,268 |
Add $7,668 for each additional person. Calculated from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines; USAC phases in new guidelines each year, so confirm the current limit at LifelineSupport.org.
How to get Lifeline in four steps
- 1
Check eligibility
Use the program list or income table above.
- 2
Gather proof
A benefits letter, tax return or three months of pay stubs, plus ID.
- 3
Apply
At LifelineSupport.org or with a provider. CA, TX and OR use state processes.
- 4
Pick a provider
Choose a wireless carrier for a free phone plan, or a local company for home service.
Lifeline guides by state
Each guide includes state income limits, every participating provider, and city-level pages for free phones, tablets, laptops and unemployment help.
- Alabama 35
- Alaska 22
- Arizona 25
- Arkansas 42
- California 27
- Colorado 33
- Connecticut 4
- Delaware 4
- District of Columbia 0
- Florida 15
- Georgia 38
- Hawaii 5
- Idaho 23
- Illinois 37
- Indiana 45
- Iowa 162
- Kansas 50
- Kentucky 40
- Louisiana 26
- Maine 22
- Maryland 16
- Massachusetts 7
- Michigan 49
- Minnesota 77
- Mississippi 31
- Missouri 58
- Montana 19
- Nebraska 45
- Nevada 23
- New Hampshire 10
- New Jersey 4
- New Mexico 19
- New York 39
- North Carolina 22
- North Dakota 28
- Ohio 37
- Oklahoma 65
- Oregon 30
- Pennsylvania 39
- Rhode Island 12
- South Carolina 33
- South Dakota 26
- Tennessee 24
- Texas 67
- Utah 21
- Vermont 10
- Virginia 19
- Washington 28
- West Virginia 20
- Wisconsin 83
- Wyoming 9
The Affordable Connectivity Program has ended
The ACP gave about 23 million households up to $30 a month off internet and a one-time $100 device discount. New sign-ups stopped on February 7, 2024 and the program ended on June 1, 2024. If you had ACP, check whether you qualify for Lifeline and ask your provider about low-income plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is a free government phone?
It's a cell phone plan covered by the FCC's Lifeline program. Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service for eligible low-income households, and many wireless carriers offer plans the discount covers completely, often with a free smartphone.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
Households with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines ($21,546 a year for one person in the lower 48 states under the 2026 guidelines), or where someone receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available?
No. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024 after its funding ran out. About 23 million households lost the $30 monthly discount. Lifeline is still available.
Can I get a free tablet or laptop from the government?
Not anymore. The ACP's one-time $100 device discount ended in 2024, and Lifeline does not cover devices. Refurbished-computer nonprofits, libraries and schools are the best low-cost options now.
Is this site run by the government?
No. SenGov Connectivity Guide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the FCC, USAC or any phone company. To apply, use LifelineSupport.org or a participating provider.