Questions and answers
Does Lifeline guarantee a free iPhone?
No. Lifeline gives a monthly discount on phone or internet service. It does not guarantee a phone of any kind. Some providers run their own promotions that include a free or low-cost phone, sometimes an iPhone, but the model, the availability, and the conditions are set by the provider, not by the government. If a provider offers an iPhone, ask which model it is, whether it is new or refurbished, and whether there is a fee.
Do Medicaid and SNAP qualify me for Lifeline?
Yes. Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, are both qualifying programs. If you or someone in your household takes part in either program, you can qualify through that program. You will need proof, such as a benefit letter or an official program document. SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit also qualify.
Does my ZIP code determine which iPhone model I get?
No. Your ZIP code does not decide the model. The model depends on which provider you choose and what that provider has available. Your ZIP code matters for a different reason: it decides which providers serve your area and whether their coverage is good where you live. A provider that serves your area may offer a different model from a provider that serves another area, but the ZIP code itself does not assign a model to you.
What is the National Verifier?
The National Verifier is the official system that checks whether you qualify for Lifeline. It is run by USAC. You apply through it online at LifelineSupport.org or at getinternet.gov/apply, or by mailing a paper application. It checks your information against official records, and if it cannot confirm your eligibility automatically, it asks you to upload documents. In Oregon and Texas, the state runs its own check instead.
Is shipping always free?
No. Some providers offer free shipping for a phone, and some charge a shipping fee. It depends on the provider and the offer. Ask about shipping before you order, and ask whether the fee is charged even if the phone itself is free.
Is service always free with Lifeline?
Not always. The discount is up to $5.25 a month for phone service, up to $9.25 a month for internet or a bundle, and up to $34.25 a month on qualifying Tribal lands. If the plan you choose costs the same as the discount or less, your service may cost nothing. If the plan costs more than the discount, you pay the difference. Always check the price after the discount before you sign up.
Does WIC qualify me for Lifeline?
No, not by itself. WIC is not a standard federal Lifeline qualifying program. If your household receives WIC and nothing else on the qualifying list, WIC alone will not make you eligible. You may still qualify through the income path, or through another program such as SNAP or Medicaid, so check those paths.
What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
ACP was a separate program that ended in 2024. It gave a larger discount and included a device benefit for some households. It is no longer available. Lifeline is the program that remains, and it is the program this guide describes. If a website promises ACP benefits today, it is out of date.
How many Lifeline discounts can my household get?
One. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. A household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. If you share an address with another Lifeline subscriber, you may be asked to explain your household situation.
Do I have to reapply every year?
You must recertify every year to show that you still qualify. The Verifier or your provider will ask you to confirm your income or program participation. If you do not recertify, you will lose the discount, even if you still qualify. Watch for the recertification notice and respond promptly.
Can I choose any iPhone model I want?
No. The provider chooses which models it offers, and the choice is usually limited to older models such as the iPhone 11, 12, or 13. Newer models are rarely offered for free. You can ask the provider what is available, but you cannot demand a specific model, and no one can promise you a model before you apply.
What should I do if I am asked to pay to apply?
Do not pay. There is no fee to apply for Lifeline. If anyone asks you to pay a fee to apply, or asks you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it is a scam. Apply only through LifelineSupport.org or a paper form you requested, and report the scam to the FCC and to your provider.