If you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps), there's good news: you almost certainly qualify for free phone service through the federal Lifeline program and Assurance Wireless. SNAP is one of the fastest ways to get approved, because it's an automatic qualifying program.
Lifeline is a federal benefit that gives eligible low-income households free or heavily discounted phone service. You can qualify two ways: by income, or by being enrolled in a qualifying assistance program. SNAP is on that program list — so if you're already getting food stamps, you've already met the hardest part of the test.
Other programs that qualify the same way include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), and Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension. You only need to qualify under one of them.
When you apply, you'll need to show you're in the program. Acceptable proof usually includes a SNAP/EBT approval or benefit letter (dated within the last 12 months), or an official statement of benefits with your name and the program name on it. Make sure the document is current and clearly shows your name.
Applying takes just a few minutes online. Have your SNAP documentation ready, confirm your address, and submit. Once approved, your free service is activated — and in California, your free phone can ship right away. One benefit per household.
Start your free Assurance Wireless application on the official partner page — it only takes a few minutes.
Check your eligibility & apply →