Do I need to be 100% disabled?

No – only the VA Pension (needs-based) qualifies you, not disability compensation.

Does my surviving spouse qualify?

Yes – VA Survivor Pension (Death Pension) also grants automatic eligibility.

What if the $30 benefit ends?

You keep Lifeline forever. Many states add extra discounts for veterans.

Maximizing Your VA Pension Benefits
for Free Communication

A dedicated guide for veterans and surviving spouses: understand your automatic qualification status using VA Pension and Survivor Benefits.

Start Your Free Phone Guide

VA Pension = Automatic Free Phone & Unlimited Service

If you or your spouse receives a VA Pension (also called “Needs-Based Pension”) or Survivor Pension (Death Pension), you are automatically eligible for both the federal Lifeline program and the current connectivity benefit — no additional income verification required.

This is one of the strongest and fastest pathways to a completely free smartphone and unlimited plan.

Which VA Benefits Qualify You?

Only the needs-based VA Pension programs qualify automatically:

Veterans Pension – for wartime veterans with limited income
Survivor Pension (Death Pension) – for un-remarried surviving spouses & children
Housebound or Aid & Attendance allowances (these are added to Pension)

Note: VA Disability Compensation (0–100%) does NOT automatically qualify you — only the Pension programs do.

VA Benefit Comparison for Free Phone Eligibility

VA Benefit	Automatic Free Phone?	Notes
VA Pension (wartime veteran)	YES	Instant eligibility
Survivor Pension (Death Pension)	YES	Spouses & children qualify
Aid & Attendance / Housebound	YES	Added to Pension — qualifies
VA Disability Compensation (0–100%)	NO	Must use income or another program

Acceptable Proof from the VA

The National Verifier accepts any official VA letter showing:

VA Pension award letter
Survivor Pension / Death Pension award letter
VA Benefit Summary letter from VA.gov or eBenefits
Direct Express card is NOT accepted

Step-by-Step: Get Your Free Phone with VA Pension

Download your VA award letter from VA.gov
Enter your ZIP code below
Select “VA Pension” or “Veterans Pension”
Upload your VA letter — most approvals are instant
Choose your free phone
Activate same-day

Why Veterans Deserve This Benefit

Veterans and surviving spouses already sacrificed for our country. The federal government created this automatic pathway so those on fixed, limited incomes stay connected to healthcare, family, VA services, and emergency support — at no cost.

Check Your VA Pension Eligibility Now

Enter your zip code to see every provider that accepts VA Pension in your area.

Maximizing Your VA Pension Benefitsfor Free Communication