Who may qualify for Lifeline?

Lifeline eligibility can be based on participation in a qualifying benefit program or on gross household income. This guide covers standard federal criteria. Extra state assistance and the separate survivor benefit have different requirements.

Qualifying benefit programs

USAC lists SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Participation by a child or dependent can provide a qualifying basis for the household. Keep proof for the official application; do not send it to this site.

SSI is different from Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance. Receiving retirement benefits or SSDI alone is not the same as receiving SSI.

Income eligibility

A household may qualify if its gross income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The limit depends on household size and location. Alaska and Hawaii have separate tables. Use the current table linked below, including the amount for each person beyond eight household members.

Additional Tribal program criteria

For residents of qualifying Tribal lands, USAC also lists Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Head Start for households meeting its income standard. Tribal membership alone does not establish residence on qualifying Tribal lands.

What this does not confirm

A qualifying basis does not complete enrollment. Official verification, household requirements, documents when requested, and available service still matter. Our checker does not connect to the National Verifier or inspect records.

WIC, school meals, and Pell Grants are not in the standard federal program list above. Some are part of the separate survivor benefit criteria. Do not treat those as interchangeable.