What AARP's free cell phone program offers

AARP does not run a cell phone program itself. What exists instead is Lifeline, a federal program that pays phone companies to offer free or heavily discounted cell service to people who meet income limits. AARP helps members understand whether they may have access to and how to sign up through participating carriers.

Lifeline covers a basic cell phone plan — usually unlimited talk and text, sometimes a small data allowance — at no monthly cost if you meet the income threshold. The phone itself is sometimes free or heavily subsidized, depending on which carrier you choose. You do not need to be an AARP member to use Lifeline, but AARP's materials can walk you through the steps.

The program is funded by a small charge on your phone bill (the Universal Service Fund), not by AARP. Your actual service comes from carriers like Assurance Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, or others that have signed on to Lifeline.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifeline is a federal program, not an AARP program, but AARP provides information about how to check whether you may have access to based on income.
  • You must have a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, which varies by family size and state.
  • You can sign up directly with a Lifeline carrier like Assurance Wireless or SafeLink, or through your state's Lifeline administrator.
  • You will need to prove your income with a recent tax return, pay stub, benefit letter, or other official document.
  • Once approved, your service is free each month, though you may need to recertify your income once a year.

Income limits and who can sign up

Lifeline is open to anyone whose household income falls at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning roughly $1,800 per month or less, or a family of four earning roughly $3,700 per month or less. These numbers change yearly and vary slightly by state.

You also may have access to if you already receive certain benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), LIHEAP (heating information), Tribal information, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. If you receive any of these, you do not need to prove income separately — the program accepts your benefit status as proof.

Only one person per household can have a Lifeline phone. If you already have Lifeline service through another carrier, you cannot sign up again with a different one.

How to sign up with a Lifeline carrier

The fastest route is to contact a Lifeline carrier directly. Assurance Wireless (1-888-321-5880) and SafeLink Wireless (1-855-723-3546) are the two largest. When you call, have ready either proof of income (recent tax return, pay stub, or benefit letter) or the name of a benefit program you receive.

The carrier will ask you to confirm your household size, income or benefit status, and current address. If you may have access to, they will mail you a phone and SIM card, usually within one to two weeks. You set up the phone when it arrives, and service begins when ready at no cost.

Some carriers also let you bring your own phone. Ask when you call whether they support that option and what phones are compatible.

What documents you will need

You must prove either your income or your receipt of a may have access to benefit. If you are proving income, bring one of these:

  • A recent federal tax return (last two years)
  • A current pay stub (within the last 30 days)
  • A benefit letter from Social Security, SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or another program
  • A utility bill or lease showing your current address
  • A bank statement or other proof of income if self-employed

If you receive SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, or Veterans benefits, you can straightforward tell the carrier which program you receive. They will verify it through their system, and you do not need to submit a document.

You will also need a valid ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) to confirm your identity.

Annual recertification and keeping your service active

Lifeline requires you to recertify your income or benefit status once per year. The carrier will contact you by mail or phone to remind you when recertification is due. If you do not respond within 30 days, your service will be suspended.

Recertification is straightforward: you submit the same documents you used to sign up (a recent pay stub, tax return, or benefit letter). You can usually do this by mail, phone, or online through the carrier's website.

You must also use your phone at least once every 30 days to keep it active. A single text, call, or data use counts. If your phone sits unused for 30 days, the carrier may deactivate it.

Finding your state's Lifeline administrator

Each state has a Lifeline administrator who oversees the program and can answer questions about local carriers and rules. You can find yours through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website at usac.org/lifeline, or by calling the national Lifeline hotline at 1-888-641-6446.

Your state administrator can tell you which carriers are active in your area, whether any are currently accepting new customers, and what the exact income limit is for your state. They can also help if you have a dispute with a carrier or need to switch providers.

What to do if you are denied or if your service stops

If a carrier denies your process, ask them in writing why. Common reasons are that your income is above the limit, you did not provide acceptable proof, or you already have Lifeline service elsewhere. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can appeal to your state's Lifeline administrator.

If your service is suspended for non-use (not using your phone for 30 days), you can reactivate it by contacting the carrier. If it is suspended for non-recertification, submit your income documents and ask to be reinstated.

If you want to switch to a different Lifeline carrier, you can do so at any time. straightforward sign up with the new carrier, and they will port your number if you request it. You must then notify your old carrier that you are leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get a free Lifeline phone?

No. Lifeline is a federal program open to anyone who meets the income or benefit requirements. AARP provides information about the program, but membership is not required to sign up or use the service.

Can I use Lifeline if I am on Social Security?

Only if your Social Security income is below the 135 percent poverty threshold, or if you also receive SSI, Medicaid, or SNAP. Regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits alone do not automatically may have access to you — the program looks at total household income.

What if I already have a cell phone plan I am paying for?

You can switch to Lifeline and keep your current phone number if the carrier supports it. Contact your current carrier to request a port-out authorization code, then give it to your new Lifeline carrier. You will then cancel your paid plan.

How much data does the free Lifeline plan include?

Data varies by carrier and changes over time. Some plans include a small amount (500 MB to 2 GB per month), while others offer unlimited talk and text but no data. Call the carrier directly to ask what data is included in their current Lifeline plan.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You can keep your Lifeline service if you move within the United States. Contact your carrier to update your address. If your new state has different carriers or rules, the carrier can tell you whether you need to switch providers.