You do not have to be enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI to apply for Free Wireless Service. Assurance Wireless, a federal Lifeline cell phone service provider, also checks income-based eligibility. Based on your state guidelines, if your household income is at or below 135%–150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for the Lifeline program.
Lifeline eligibility uses one of two paths. You only need one.
This guide is about the income path. You'll need proof of income. One benefit per household. The benefit is non-transferable.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines are the federal income figures used to set Lifeline income limits. Assurance Wireless applies a percentage of those guidelines, and the percentage depends on your state: at or below 135% in some states, and up to 150% in others.
The dollar cutoff also depends on household size. A larger household has a higher income limit than a one-person household at the same percentage. There is no single national dollar amount. When you apply, eligibility is checked against the guideline for your state and household size.
Offers are available to eligible customers residing in selected areas and may vary by state. Offers vary and may change.
A household is any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. People who share a home but keep separate income and expenses can be separate households. People who live together and share both income and expenses are one household, even if more than one adult wants service.
One Lifeline benefit per household. That limit covers landline or wireless service. If someone at your address already receives a Lifeline benefit for the same household, a second enrollment is not available. The benefit is non-transferable, so it cannot be given to someone else.
Income-based applicants need proof of income. Have documents that show your household's current income and match the name on your application. Program letters are for the program path; they are not a substitute when you are qualifying by income alone.
Also have proof of who you are and proof of your address. The name and address should match across the documents you submit. A full checklist of what to upload is in What Documents Do You Need to Apply for Free Lifeline Wireless Service?
Eligible customers can receive free wireless service through Assurance Wireless on the T-Mobile network:
The $0 monthly price requires usage once every 30 days and continued eligibility. If you stop using the service or no longer meet the income or program rules, the Lifeline benefit can end.
See if You Qualify Today. Approval is not guaranteed, and offers are limited to eligible customers in selected areas.
Lifeline Program Eligibility & FAQ
See if you qualify today on the official Assurance Wireless partner page.
See if You Qualify Today →