Check your eligibility for the Lifeline Program

There are two ways to qualify for the Lifeline Program: income-based eligibility or program-based eligibility.

Income-Based Eligibility

Your household is eligible for Lifeline service if your total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, which vary depending on the size of your household. The definition of a "household" is anyone living at an address (including children, relatives, people not related to you, etc.) who share income and household expenses.

For 2025, the following income amounts represent 135% of the federal poverty guidelines:

Persons in Household	Annual Income
1	$21,128
2	$28,553
3	$35,978
4	$43,403
5	$50,828
6	$58,253
7	$65,678
8	$73,103
For each additional person, add	$7,425

Each year the income-eligibility requirements for the Lifeline Program may change. You may be required to complete the provider’s household worksheet to help determine your household’s total income.

Program-Based Eligibility

Your household is eligible for Lifeline service if a member participates in one of the following federal assistance programs:

• Medicaid (MassHealth is the Massachusetts Medicaid Program)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Certain Federally-Recognized/State Tribal Assistance Programs
• Veteran's Pension or Survivor's Pension benefit

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Poverty Guidelines