Income Limits
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, and USAC adopts the new figures each year — the table below reflects the current guideline year in effect (2026). The 48-contiguous-states figures apply in every U.S. state, DC, and the territories; Alaska and Hawaii use separately published (higher) figures shown in their own column.
2026 Lifeline income limits — by household size
| Household size | 48 states, DC & 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 |
| Each additional person, add | +$7,668 | +$9,585 | +$8,816 |
All figures above are 135% of the federal poverty guideline (FPL) — the threshold Lifeline uses — as published by USAC. For households larger than eight, add the "each additional person" amount for the applicable column to the 8-person figure.
Alaska and Hawaii income limits
Alaska and Hawaii use higher poverty guidelines than the 48 contiguous states because of the higher cost of living — see the Alaska and Hawaii columns in the table above for the exact per-household-size figures. Both are still 135% of each state's own published federal poverty guideline.
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.
Figures verified against USAC's published Lifeline income-eligibility table (135% of the HHS federal poverty guidelines).
Continue reading: browse state-by-state Lifeline guides or compare approved carriers.