Eligibility

Required Documents for a Lifeline Application

Having the right documents ready before you apply can help your application move smoothly. Here's what is generally requested.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Sources & further reading

Federal Communications Commission - Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers, fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
Universal Service Administrative Company - Lifeline Support, lifelinesupport.org
USAC - National Verifier consumer information, usac.org/lifeline
USDA Food and Nutrition Service - SNAP, fns.usda.gov/snap
Medicaid.gov - official U.S. government site for Medicaid
Social Security Administration - Supplemental Security Income, ssa.gov/ssi

1. Proof of Identity

Valid state driver's license or state-issued ID
U.S. passport or passport card
Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
Permanent Resident Card / Green Card

2. Proof of Program Participation (if applying by program)

Current SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI award/benefit letter
Section 8 / Federal Public Housing documentation
Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefit letter

3. Proof of Income (if applying by income)

Prior year state, federal, or Tribal tax return
Three consecutive months of pay stubs
Social Security, disability, or pension statements
Unemployment or workers' compensation benefit statements

4. Proof of Address

Your application will generally ask for your residential address. If it differs from your ID, a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail piece may be requested.

Tip

Make sure documents are current, legible, and clearly show your full name. Expired documents or documents without your name are commonly rejected.