Government Phone Programs Explained
A quick guide to the federal programs behind "free government phone" offers - which ones are active today, which have ended, and how they connect to the qualifying assistance programs that determine eligibility.
Lifeline Free Phone
The ongoing FCC program that free government phone offers are actually based on today.
Ended 2024ACP Free Phone
Why the Affordable Connectivity Program ended, and what's still available instead.
Qualifying Assistance Programs
Participation in any of these programs is a common way to qualify for Lifeline:
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food assistance).
Medicaid
State and federal health coverage for qualifying low-income individuals and families.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income for people with limited income who are 65+, blind, or disabled.
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Including Section 8 housing choice voucher recipients.
Income-Based
Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Tribal Programs
Additional tribal-specific assistance programs on qualifying Tribal lands.