Illinois Lifeline income limits for 2025
The Lifeline program uses 135% of the federal poverty guideline as its income threshold, and the same numbers apply in every U.S. state — including Illinois. The Department of Health and Human Services publishes the federal poverty guideline once a year; USAC adopts it for Lifeline eligibility for that calendar year. The 2025 figures below were published in the Federal Register in January 2025 and apply to every Illinois Lifeline application filed during the 2025 program year.
If your total household income is at or below the figure shown for your household size, you qualify for free Lifeline service in Illinois on income alone. If you participate in any of the qualifying assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8, Veterans Pension), you qualify regardless of income — the income test is irrelevant.
2025 income limits — Illinois households
| 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 |
| 9 people | $58,100 | $78,435 |
| 10 people | $63,480 | $85,698 |
| 11 people | $68,860 | $92,961 |
| 12 people | $74,240 | $100,224 |
For Illinois households larger than 12 people, add $5,380 to the federal poverty guideline for each additional person, then multiply the total by 1.35 to get the Lifeline income limit. Most large households automatically qualify through SNAP or Medicaid before income becomes the deciding factor.
What "income" means for Lifeline in Illinois
Income for Lifeline purposes is your total household income before taxes. That includes wages, salaries, tips, self-employment income, Social Security retirement and disability benefits, SSI, unemployment compensation, child support and alimony you receive, retirement and pension income, Veterans benefits, and rental income. It does not include one-time payments such as tax refunds, stimulus checks, lottery winnings, or insurance settlements. It also does not include income from non-household members — only people who live at your Illinois address and share income and expenses count as your household.
Documenting income in Illinois
If you're qualifying through the income path rather than a qualifying program, the National Verifier accepts the following from Illinois applicants: your most recent federal tax return, three consecutive paystubs from the most recent calendar months, a current Social Security benefits statement (SSA-1099), an unemployment determination letter, a divorce decree showing alimony, a retirement or pension statement, or a Veterans Administration benefits statement. If your income comes from multiple sources (wages plus Social Security, for example), submit documentation for each one — the National Verifier adds them together.
What if your Illinois income changes?
If your income drops below the Lifeline limit for the first time, you can apply at any point during the year — there's no waiting period. If your income rises above the limit while you're already enrolled, you must report the change at your next annual recertification (not immediately). Lifeline does not require mid-year income reporting.
Quick income calculator
Quick eligibility check for Illinois
Enter your household size and annual income to see whether you qualify on income.
What to do next
If you qualify, continue to the Illinois step-by-step application guide or pick a carrier from the Illinois carrier directory.