Updated for 2026 Federal Guidelines

Yes — You Really Can Get a Free Phone

It’s called Lifeline, a real government program that gives free or low-cost phone and internet service to people with low income. We’ll show you — in plain, simple words — how to find out if you qualify and how to get yours the right way.

See If You Qualify How to Get Yours

Real program. No cost to apply. No catch.

Where would you like to start?

Pick the path that best matches what you’re wondering right now.

“Wait — is this actually real?” Here’s how the program works “Let me see if I can get it.” Check who qualifies “I’m ready. How do I sign up?” Follow the step-by-step guide “Which company should I pick?” Compare the best providers
Program Overview

So, what is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a federal program that helps people with low income stay connected. If you qualify, you get a monthly discount on phone service, internet, or both — and for many people, that brings the cost all the way down to free. Millions of families use it every month to stay in touch with work, family, doctors, and help when they need it.

It’s a real benefit, run through approved phone companies. The only tricky parts are knowing if you qualify, picking a good provider, and applying without any mix-ups. That’s exactly what we help with.

“When I started researching this, I was surprised how many ‘free phone’ sites online were vague or out of date. So I began reaching out to providers directly and checking every claim against the official records — and everything on this site comes from that same careful checking.”

Read the full Lifeline guide

Everything you need, explained simply

Explore our core guides designed to walk you through every stage of the Lifeline process.

Lifeline Basics

The whole program explained in simple guide.

Read guide

Who Qualifies

Every way to qualify, plus current 2026 household income limits.

Check eligibility

How to Apply

Every step, from gathering required documents to fast approval.

View step-by-step

Best Providers

Compare real, approved Lifeline companies side by side.

Compare providers

Phone Help & Setup

Simple guides on activating your device, SIM setup, and troubleshooting.

Get setup assistance
News & Consumer Alerts

Make sure you get the real deal

The good news: Lifeline is 100% real and free to apply for. The one thing to know is that a few fake websites pretend to offer it just to grab your information. So here’s a simple rule — a real provider will never charge you to apply, and you can always check that a company is approved using the official government list.

Check the official provider list How to tell a real provider from a fake one

Quick answers

Honest answers to the most common questions about Lifeline.

Is this really real?

Yes. Lifeline is an official federal program that’s been helping low-income families for years. It is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Read full program guide
Is it actually free?

For many people, yes. The discount is $9.25 a month ($34.25 on Tribal lands), which often covers the full cost of a basic plan offered by participating carriers.

Compare free provider plans
Do I have to pay anything to apply?

No. Applying is always free. Anyone charging you to apply is not a real provider.

Learn how to spot official providers
How do I know if I qualify?

You qualify through low income (household income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), or by being in a program like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Veterans Pension. See the full list in the quick eligibility checker.

Check eligibility guidelines
What kind of phone will I get?

Most providers give a basic smartphone. A few offer newer or nicer models — we compare them on our best phones page.

See current phone options
Can I keep my current number?

Usually, yes. When you sign up, you can bring your existing number with you through standard number porting rules.

See application requirements

Why you can trust this guide

We’re an independent team that researches the Lifeline program full-time. We contact providers directly, check every company against the official government records, and keep our guides updated as things change. We don’t sell phones, and we’re not the government — we’re just here to give you honest, accurate help so you can get the service you’re entitled to.

Independently Researched Checked Against USAC Records No Paid Provider Bias