Free Devices for Low-Income Households
If your household income is at or below federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for free or discounted phones, tablets, laptops, and internet service through government assistance programs.
What is Low-Income Eligibility?
Many government device assistance programs accept households with income at or below certain percentages of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The income thresholds vary by program:
- Lifeline: Income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- ACP: Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Some state programs: Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
The Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated annually and vary by household size and state (Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds).
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines
The table below shows 135% and 200% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are used for Lifeline and ACP eligibility:
| Household Size | 135% (Lifeline) | 200% (ACP) | Alaska 135% | Alaska 200% | Hawaii 135% | Hawaii 200% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $31,200 | $26,393 | $39,100 | $24,287 | $36,000 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $42,300 | $35,681 | $52,800 | $32,832 | $48,600 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $53,300 | $44,969 | $66,600 | $41,378 | $61,300 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $64,300 | $54,257 | $80,400 | $49,923 | $74,000 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $75,300 | $63,545 | $94,200 | $58,469 | $86,700 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $86,300 | $72,833 | $108,000 | $67,041 | $99,400 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $97,300 | $82,121 | $121,800 | $75,560 | $112,000 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $108,300 | $91,409 | $135,600 | $84,105 | $124,700 |
| Each additional person | +$7,425 | +$11,000 | +$9,288 | +$13,800 | +$8,546 | +$12,700 |
How Low-Income Eligibility Works
If your household income falls at or below the thresholds above, you qualify for device assistance programs:
Lifeline Program
Households with income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for Lifeline, which provides:
- Free or discounted phone service
- Free smartphones (in some cases)
- Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service ($34.25/month on Tribal lands)
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Households with income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for ACP, which offers:
- Up to $30/month discount on internet service ($75/month on Tribal lands)
- Up to $100 discount on devices (tablets, laptops, desktops) with a small co-pay ($10-$50)
- Can be combined with Lifeline for additional savings
Other Programs
Many nonprofit organizations and state programs also accept low-income eligibility for low-cost or free devices.
Programs That Accept Low-Income Eligibility
The following programs accept low-income households based on income thresholds:
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How to Apply
- Calculate Your Income: Determine your total household income for the past year. Include all sources: wages, Social Security, disability, unemployment, child support, etc.
- Compare to Guidelines: Check if your income falls at or below 135% (Lifeline) or 200% (ACP) of Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size and state.
- Gather Documents: You'll need proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or income statements.
- Choose a Program: Browse programs that accept low-income eligibility using our Program Finder.
- Apply: Visit the program's official website and complete the application. You'll need to provide income documentation.
Required Documents
When applying for device programs with low-income eligibility, you may need:
- Prior year's tax return (federal, state, or Tribal)
- Three consecutive months of pay stubs (if income doesn't cover a full year)
- Income statement from employer
- Social Security benefits statement
- Unemployment or Workers' Compensation statement
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or other government-issued ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or other official document)
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as household income?
Household income includes all income sources for everyone in your household: wages, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, child support, alimony, pensions, and other income sources.
What if my income changes?
If your income increases above the threshold, you may need to requalify. If your income decreases, you may become eligible for additional programs. Check with your program provider about recertification requirements.
Do I need to provide income proof if I'm on other programs?
If you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, or other qualifying programs, you typically don't need to provide income documentation—your program participation serves as proof of eligibility.
Can I qualify for both Lifeline and ACP?
Yes! If your income is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can qualify for both programs and combine the benefits for maximum savings.
Ready to Find Programs?
Use our Program Finder to discover all programs that accept low-income eligibility, or check your eligibility with our Lifeline Eligibility Checker.
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