How to see if you qualify for a free smartphone through Lifeline  

 Smartphones make it easy to perform certain day-to-day tasks, like schedule medical appointments, search the internet for information, and stay connected with friends and family. But because smartphones are in many ways like mobile computers, they can be expensive. That’s where Lifeline comes in.  

What is Lifeline?  

Lifeline is a federal program that provides phones, data, and minutes to households that qualify.   

Do I qualify to receive a smartphone through Lifeline?  

There are two ways to find out if you qualify for a smartphone through Lifeline. The first way you qualify is if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The second way is if you receive support through any of the following programs: 

• • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps  
  • Medicaid 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit 

You only need to meet one of those requirements to qualify. You also qualify if your child or dependent participates in the programs above as well. If you live on tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:  

• • Any of the federal assistance programs listed above  
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance  
  • Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)  
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)  
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations   

You can learn more about the tribal benefit here.  

How to apply to Lifeline  

After you have viewed the eligibility requirements for the Lifeline program, you must then apply to confirm that you qualify for the program. You can apply in several ways.   

1. 1. Apply online. You first must create an account. You will need your social security number to sign up. 
   2. Apply through a local phone or internet provider. You can ask them for more details on how you can apply.  
   3. Apply through the mail. You can print the application and send it in along with your proof qualification. The address is:   

Lifeline Support Center 
P.O. Box 9100 
Wilkes-Barr, PA 1877 

 If you need help applying for Lifeline, you can call the Link to Care WA Hotline. The Link to Care WA Hotline has call representatives that will help you fill out an application. Once you have been approved for Lifeline, you will then need to choose a phone company that offers Lifeline and sign up for phone service with them. Once they sign you up, you will start getting your Lifeline benefit. 

The internet will help you stay connected to friends and family, local resources, and your healthcare team. Access to the internet in your hand helps you stay connected. The Lifeline program offers smartphones that connect to the internet.