If you are struggling to afford a cell phone, the Lifeline Program is here to help — and it operates in every single state across the country. This federal initiative provides free smartphone service to income-eligible households, giving you the connectivity you need for work, school, medical care, and everyday communication without a monthly bill.
The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that makes phone and internet service affordable for low-income households. Established in 1985, Lifeline has evolved from covering basic landline service to providing free or heavily discounted smartphones with monthly talk, text, and data. Participating carriers receive a federal subsidy (currently $9.25 per month per household) that allows them to offer qualifying customers a no-cost wireless plan. The program is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories.
You qualify for a free government phone if you meet any one of the following criteria:
Important: Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household — you cannot receive the discount on both a phone and internet service simultaneously, nor can two members of the same household each claim a benefit.
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a separate FCC benefit that provided up to $30/month (or $75 on Tribal lands) toward internet service. The ACP ended in June 2024 when its congressional funding expired. However, if you previously qualified for ACP, you are very likely still eligible for Lifeline — and many Lifeline carriers now offer generous data plans that rival former ACP benefits. Select your state below to see current plan details.
One key detail: The eligibility requirements come from the federal government, so they are identical no matter which state you live in. But the companies that deliver Lifeline service — and the devices and data packages they provide — are different from state to state. Select your state to discover which carriers serve your area and what they offer.