The Obama Phone program is not a separate program — it's a nickname for Lifeline, a federal discount program that helps low-income people pay for phone service

The term "Obama phone" came from news coverage around 2008 and 2009, when the Lifeline program expanded to include cell phones for the first time. The program itself started in 1985, long before President Obama took office. It is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and funded through a small charge on most people's phone bills — a charge you may see listed as "Universal Service Fund" or "Lifeline Surcharge" on your statement.

Lifeline gives you a monthly discount on phone service, not a free phone. The discount amount varies by state, but typically reduces your bill by $9 to $15 per month. Some phone companies bundle the discount with a free or low-cost phone when you first sign up, which is probably where the "free phone" part of the nickname comes from. But the program itself is a monthly subsidy, not a giveaway of devices.

You can use Lifeline with most major carriers — including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and many smaller regional carriers — or with a Lifeline-specific provider that exists only to serve this program. The choice affects which phone you get and how much you pay out of pocket, but the monthly discount is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your monthly phone bill by $9 to $15, depending on your state and provider.
  • You must have a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, or already receive certain benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
  • You can sign up through your phone company directly, through a Lifeline-specific provider, or through your state's Lifeline administrator.
  • Once you are enrolled, you must recertify your income or benefit status every year, or your service will be disconnected.
  • You can have only one Lifeline discount per household, even if multiple people live there.

Who can get Lifeline service

To use Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning roughly $1,810 per month or less, or a family of four earning roughly $3,700 per month or less. These numbers change each year. You can also may have access to if you already receive certain government benefits: SNAP (food information), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal Public Housing information, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program), or Tribal information programs.

If you receive one of those benefits, you do not have to prove your income — your benefit status is proof enough. If you do not receive any of those benefits, you will need to show recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your income. Some states also accept a signed statement of your income if you cannot produce documents.

You can have only one Lifeline discount per household. If you live with other people, only one of you can be enrolled in the program, even if multiple people have phones. This rule exists to prevent people from stacking discounts.

How to sign up for Lifeline

You have three main routes: sign up through your current phone company, sign up through a Lifeline-specific provider, or contact your state's Lifeline administrator to find out which providers are active in your area.

If you already have a phone company, call their customer service line and ask about Lifeline. Many large carriers have a dedicated Lifeline team. They will ask you to confirm your income or benefits, and if you may have access to, they will explore the discount to your next bill. This is the fastest route if your current carrier participates.

If you do not have phone service yet, or your carrier does not offer Lifeline, you can sign up through a Lifeline-specific provider. These companies exist solely to serve the Lifeline program and often bundle a free or very cheap phone with your first month of service. Common Lifeline providers include Assurance Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, and Q Link Wireless, though the list varies by state. You can search for providers in your state on the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) at fcc.gov/lifeline.

Your state's Lifeline administrator can also tell you which providers serve your area and which are currently accepting new customers. You can find your state administrator's contact information on the FCC website or by calling 211 and asking for Lifeline information.

What documents you need to bring

You will need proof of income or proof of benefits. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or another may have access to benefit, bring a current benefit letter or card showing your name and the benefit type. If you are proving income instead, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a tax return from the past year, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and income.

You will also need a valid ID — a driver's license, state ID, passport, or tribal ID. Some providers accept a photo ID from a school or employer if you do not have government-issued ID.

If you are signing up by mail or online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents or mail them in. If you are signing up in person or by phone, the provider will tell you exactly what format they need.

What happens after you sign up

Once you are enrolled, the discount appears on your next bill. If you signed up through a Lifeline-specific provider, you will receive a phone (if one was included) and a SIM card in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. set up instructions come with the package.

You must recertify your income or benefits every 12 months. The provider will send you a notice asking you to confirm your status. If you do not respond within 30 days, your service will be suspended. If you do not respond within 60 days, your service will be disconnected. This is not a penalty — it is a requirement of the program. You can reactivate by recertifying at any time.

If your income or benefits change and you no longer may have access to, you are required to report that change. Continuing to use Lifeline when you no longer may have access to can result in being removed from the program and being barred from re-enrolling for a period of time.

The difference between Lifeline and other federal phone programs

Lifeline is a discount on monthly service. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), by contrast, was a separate program that paid for broadband internet service for low-income households. ACP ended in 2024, though some states have created their own broadband information programs to replace it.

Lifeline has been running continuously since 1985 and is funded through the Universal Service Fund, which means it is not dependent on annual congressional funding. This makes it more stable than temporary programs, but it also means the discount amount can change if the FCC adjusts the fund.

Some states also run their own phone information programs on top of Lifeline. These vary widely by state, so it is worth asking your state Lifeline administrator whether additional help is available where you live.

What to do if you are denied or disconnected

If a provider denies your process, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons include: your income is above the limit, you do not have proof of income or benefits, or you already have a Lifeline discount in your household. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can ask the provider to reconsider, or you can contact your state Lifeline administrator to file a complaint.

If your service is disconnected because you missed recertification, you can reactivate by recertifying when ready. You do not lose your phone number — it will be held for a short time while you complete the process. If you wait too long, the number may be reassigned to another customer.

If you believe you were wrongly removed from the program, contact your provider's customer service or your state Lifeline administrator. They can review your case and reinstate you if an error was made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Lifeline if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Lifeline does not require citizenship, but you must have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You must also meet the income or benefits requirement. Bring whatever ID you have when you sign up.

Can I keep my current phone number if I switch to Lifeline?

Yes. If you are switching from another carrier to a Lifeline provider, you can request number portability. The new provider will handle the transfer, though it may take a few days. If you are already with a carrier that offers Lifeline, your number does not change at all.

What if my household income goes up after I sign up?

You are required to report the change when you recertify. If your income exceeds 135 percent of the poverty line, you will no longer may have access to. You can continue service at the full price, but you will lose the Lifeline discount.

Can I use Lifeline with a smartphone?

Yes. Lifeline works with any phone — basic phones, smartphones, or any device that connects to a carrier's network. Some Lifeline providers offer free or cheap smartphones when you sign up, while others let you bring your own phone. Ask the provider what options they have.

How do I know if my state Lifeline program is currently accepting new customers?

Some states have waiting lists or periodic closures when funding runs low. Call your state Lifeline administrator or check the National Lifeline Accountability Database at fcc.gov/lifeline to see which providers are active in your area and whether they are currently enrolling.