Frequently Asked Questions for Free Mobile Service
Find answers categorized by the four main eligibility programs: SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, and VA Pension Benefits.
Jump to FAQs →Questions Grouped by Qualification Program
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Because the SSI program requires beneficiaries to meet strict income and disability criteria, participation in SSI is recognized by the federal government as direct proof of eligibility for both the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
You will need to provide documentation such as an award letter, a benefit verification letter, or a statement of benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) dated within the last 12 months.
SNAP (Food Stamps/CalFresh)
Yes, SNAP participation automatically qualifies you for both the Lifeline and ACP subsidies. This is one of the most direct and fastest eligibility pathways, requiring only your current SNAP/CalFresh award letter as proof.
Absolutely not. The Lifeline and ACP are federally funded telecommunication subsidies and are entirely separate from your SNAP benefits. Enrolling in free phone service will have no impact on your food assistance status or payment amount.
Medicaid (Including Medi-Cal)
Enrollment in Medicaid, regardless of its state name (like Medi-Cal), confirms that you meet the necessary low-income criteria established by the federal government for the communications subsidy programs. This qualifies you automatically.
No. When you apply for free mobile service, providing proof of your current Medicaid enrollment serves as sufficient proof of your income status, allowing you to skip the manual income verification steps.
VA Pension Benefits
No, the eligibility extends to the entire eligible household. If you or a family member receive either the Veterans Pension or the Survivor Benefits, the whole household qualifies for the mobile service discount.
You need an official Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits award letter from the VA, or a Statement of Benefits, dated within the last 12 months. This is used by the National Verifier system to confirm your eligibility status.
REAL STORIES
Trusted by Thousands of Families
Simple Qualification Process
“I wasn’t sure which program qualified me, but this site made it clear. My Medicaid card was all I needed to get the application rolling fast and save money.”
– Brenda H., Illinois
SNAP Made It Automatic
“My SNAP eligibility instantly gave me access to the combined Lifeline and ACP discount. It was the fastest application I’ve ever done for a benefit program.”
– David P., Florida
Veteran Enrollment
“The VA Pension qualification pathway is a real win for veterans. I highly recommend using this method—it cuts out all the complex verification steps.”
– Veteran T., Georgia
SSI Made it Easy
“I have SSI, and the eligibility check was automatic. It’s comforting to know that once you qualify for one program, the pathway to free phone service is so straightforward.”
– Maria R., Texas
No Income Hassle
“My household qualifies through Medicaid. The best part is that I didn’t have to submit any tedious income paperwork. The provider just verified my existing government enrollment.”
– Vanessa P., Michigan
Simple Qualification Process
“I wasn’t sure which program qualified me, but this site made it clear. My Medicaid card was all I needed to get the application rolling fast and save money.”
– Brenda H., Illinois
SNAP Made It Automatic
“My SNAP eligibility instantly gave me access to the combined Lifeline and ACP discount. It was the fastest application I’ve ever done for a benefit program.”
– David P., Florida
Veteran Enrollment
“The VA Pension qualification pathway is a real win for veterans. I highly recommend using this method—it cuts out all the complex verification steps.”
– Veteran T., Georgia
SSI Made it Easy
“I have SSI, and the eligibility check was automatic. It’s comforting to know that once you qualify for one program, the pathway to free phone service is so straightforward.”
– Maria R., Texas
No Income Hassle
“My household qualifies through Medicaid. The best part is that I didn’t have to submit any tedious income paperwork. The provider just verified my existing government enrollment.”
– Vanessa P., Michigan
Ready to Get Your Free Phone and Service?
See which providers in your area are currently offering a free device when you enroll today.
Questions About Getting Free Service
Most combined Lifeline and ACP plans offered by providers include unlimited monthly talk, unlimited text messaging, and a generous allocation of high-speed data, sometimes entirely unlimited, at no cost to the eligible household.
The Lifeline subsidy (up to $9.25/month) combined with the ACP subsidy (up to $30/month) totals a discount of nearly $40 per month. Providers craft plans that utilize this full subsidy, resulting in a zero-cost monthly bill for the consumer.
The Lifeline benefit is ongoing as long as you remain eligible. The ACP benefit is currently funded through a separate federal initiative, but is expected to last for the foreseeable future. You must recertify your eligibility annually for Lifeline and periodically for ACP.