Free Government Phones in Spokane, WA

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Income Eligibility

Consumers may qualify for the Lifeline program if they have a gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

Household Size       48 Contiguous States

    1 person                           $20,331 

    2 people                           $27,594

    3 people                           $34,857

    4 people                           $42,120

    5 people                           $49,383

    6 people                           $56,646

For each additional person, add $7,263

Note: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2024.

Program Participation Eligibility

or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
• Participates in one of these assistance programs:
  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
• Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal TANF
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Tribal Head Start (income based) 

Note: Medicare, Social Security Disability, Social Security Retirement Income, VA Disability Pension and other programs not listed above are not qualifying programs.

Eligibility may be verified automatically by National Verifier if the applicant receives SSI, EBT or Medicaid.  For all other programs and income based qualification, verification will be required and must be provided at the time of application.

Proof of program participation must be dated within the past 12 months and list the customers first and last name as shown on their ID. The following are some examples of what are considered valid proofs:

• Copy of Food Stamps benefits letter
• Copy of Medicaid approval letter
• Copy of SSI benefit statement
• For Federal Public Housing or Section 8, a copy of the lease contract or a copy of the letter/document from the state agency, Local Housing Authority and/or the Housing Compound stating that customer receives or is approved for FPH.

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Proof of income must show the customers first and last name as shown on their ID. Only the following will be considered as valid income proofs:

• Last 3 consecutive paystubs
• Last years income tax return form
• Last years W2 form
• Letter from the Social Security Administration showing the benefits customer receives per month, dated within the last 12 months.