SafeLink Wireless
A Lifeline provider. Plans and states vary. SafeLink confirms eligibility. Many plans work with a phone you already have or a SIM.
Visit SafeLink Wireless (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Lifeline
Free monthly phone service (Lifeline)
Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for an eligible household. It is a federal benefit run through participating phone companies, with help from the Universal Service Administrative Company. BenefitBoost does not enroll you.
One benefit per household
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed for a household. A household is people who live at the same address and share income and expenses. Roommates who share the bills are usually one household, even if they are not related.
If someone at that address already has Lifeline, a second discount is not allowed. The phone company checks this when you apply.
Bring your own phone, or use a SIM
In most states, Lifeline is monthly service: a set amount of data, minutes, or a discount on a bill. You use a phone you already have, or the company sends a SIM card. The monthly amount depends on the company and the state.
BenefitBoost does not ship phones and does not collect phone payments.
Who may qualify
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in the household has a qualifying program. Common programs are:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Some tribal programs also qualify. WIC by itself does not qualify a household for federal Lifeline. Guidelines and the official list are published by HHS and by the Lifeline program.
California
California LifeLine is a state program overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission. Rules and discounts can differ from federal Lifeline in other states.
In California, some participating offers include a free phone. That device offer is specific to California. Read the current plan before you apply, because handset offers change.
Providers on this site
These are participating Lifeline brands. The links are affiliate placeholders. A commission, if one is paid later, does not change your price. The company still has to confirm that you qualify, and that no one else in the household already has Lifeline.
Assurance Wireless
A Lifeline provider. Monthly minutes, data, and state availability are set by Assurance. One Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Visit Assurance Wireless (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Lifeline questions
Who may qualify for Lifeline?
A household may qualify if its income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in the household participates in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Tribal programs can also qualify. The provider and the Lifeline program confirm it.
How many Lifeline benefits can one home get?
One. People who live together and share income and expenses are one household for Lifeline, even if they are not related. A second person in that household cannot keep a separate Lifeline benefit.
Do I have to get a new phone?
Usually, no. Lifeline is a monthly service benefit. You can bring your own phone or use a SIM, depending on the provider. Minutes and data are part of the monthly plan.
What is different in California?
California LifeLine is a state program overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission. In California, some participating offers include a free phone. That device offer is specific to California. Confirm the current offer with California LifeLine and the provider.
Does BenefitBoost enroll people in Lifeline?
No. We explain the rules and link to providers. SafeLink Wireless and Assurance Wireless links on this site are affiliate links. The provider, not BenefitBoost, submits the application and checks eligibility.