Income Limits 2025
The Lifeline program uses 135% of the federal poverty guideline (FPL) as its income threshold. The Department of Health and Human Services updates the FPL once a year — the table below uses the 2025 figures published in the Federal Register. The same numbers apply in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia (Alaska and Hawaii use slightly higher figures, shown in the notes below).
2025 Lifeline income limits — 48 contiguous states + DC
| Household size | 2025 federal poverty guideline | Lifeline limit (135%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $20,331 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $27,594 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $34,857 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $42,120 |
| 5 people | $36,580 | $49,383 |
| 6 people | $41,960 | $56,646 |
| 7 people | $47,340 | $63,909 |
| 8 people | $52,720 | $71,172 |
| Each additional person | +$5,380 | +$7,263 |
For households with more than eight members, add $5,380 to the federal poverty guideline for each additional person, then multiply the resulting total by 1.35 to get the Lifeline limit.
Alaska and Hawaii income limits
Alaska and Hawaii use higher poverty guidelines because of the higher cost of living. The 2025 Alaska guideline for a family of four is $39,000; the Lifeline limit (135%) is $52,650. The 2025 Hawaii guideline for a family of four is $35,880; the Lifeline limit (135%) is $48,438. Per-state household-size tables are available from the Department of Health and Human Services.
How "income" is defined
Lifeline counts total household income before taxes, including wages, salaries, Social Security benefits (including SSI), unemployment, child support received, alimony received, and retirement income. It does not count one-time payments like tax refunds or stimulus checks, and it does not count income from non-household members.
What if my income changes
If your income drops below the Lifeline limit for the first time, you can apply at any time — there's no waiting period. If your income rises above the Lifeline limit while you're already enrolled, you must report the change to USAC during your next annual recertification. Mid-year income changes do not require immediate action, but at recertification you'll be asked to confirm current income.
Continue reading: browse state-by-state Lifeline guides or compare approved carriers.