2026 Lifeline Income Limits
You may qualify for Lifeline through income when your gross household income is at or below 135% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines.
These are Lifeline income limits. They are not a separate “free tablet income limit,” and meeting the threshold does not automatically guarantee a tablet.
of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Find your household size. Then find your location.
The limits are different for Alaska and Hawaii. The first column applies to the 48 contiguous states, Washington, D.C., and territories.
| Household |
48 States, D.C. & Territories |
Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| 5 people | $52,218 | $65,273 | $60,048 |
| 6 people | $59,886 | $74,858 | $68,864 |
| 7 people | $67,554 | $84,443 | $77,679 |
| 8 people | $75,222 | $94,028 | $86,495 |
At the limit still counts.
Lifeline uses the phrase “at or below” the income threshold. So if your gross household income is exactly the amount shown for your household size and location, you are still within the income standard.
Count the household correctly before using the table.
The number of people at an address is not always the same as the Lifeline household size. People at the same address may be separate households if they do not share income and household expenses.
People living together who share income and expenses.
Additional household verification may be required.
Show income, not more than necessary.
You may not need to provide extra documentation. If proof is requested, the record should identify the person, show income, and be recent enough for the Lifeline review.
State, federal or Tribal tax documentation may be used.
An annual income statement from your employer may work.
Certain Social Security or unemployment benefit records may show qualifying income.
Official documents showing income for three consecutive months may be accepted when appropriate.
Already receive a qualifying benefit?
You may be able to qualify for Lifeline through a qualifying assistance program instead of using the income test. Examples include SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and certain veterans benefits.
Understand Lifeline qualification →