Free Government Phone Programs in Massachusetts
Did you know you may qualify for free or discounted phone service in Massachusetts through the federal Lifeline program? This program was designed to help families afford internet and phone service for work, school, and more.
Through the Lifeline program, your family can receive major discounts on phone service. With service providers like LTE Wireless, you can qualify to get free phone service with this benefit.
If you need help paying for phone and/or internet service, read on to learn more about Lifeline and free government phone programs in Massachusetts.
Unresolved questions or complaints regarding Lifeline service may be directed to the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC), One Federal Street, Suite 0740, Boston, MA 02110-2012, call (800) 392-6066 (toll free), fax (617) 988-8288 or online at consumer.complaints@mass.gov.
What is the Federal Lifeline Program?
The federal Lifeline program offers discounted home phone and wireless phone services to qualifying households. Your eligibility is based on income levels or ongoing participation in select government assistance program.
Qualifying families are eligible to receive one discount per household.
Households who are eligible for Lifeline receive a service plan discount to help with monthly service fees. With LTE Wireless, our plans are set up to provide you with free wireless phone service when you qualify for Lifeline.
Click the link to learn more about the details and benefits of the Lifeline Program for Massachusetts residents.
How to Qualify for Lifeline in Massachusetts
To qualify for Lifeline in Massachusetts, you must either participate in eligible government assistance programs or meet certain income criteria. Here’s a quick overview of the income requirements and programs that make you eligible for Lifeline:
How to Qualify for Lifeline by Program
If anyone in your household is enrolled in any of these government assistance programs, you are eligible to receive Lifeline benefits:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (Tribal only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Automatic Lifeline Qualifying Programs in Massachusetts
The easiest way to qualify for Lifeline is to enroll with an automatic qualifying program via the National Verifier. In Massachusetts, the National Verifier connects to the databases of:
If you participate in one of these programs, the National Verifier may be able to instantly approve your eligibility when you submit your Lifeline application. If not, don’t worry; you still may qualify by uploading documentation to demonstrate your participation in other qualifying government programs.
Are You Eligible for MassHealth in Massachusetts?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state-funded health insurance program. You can qualify based on income, age, health, or life circumstances. If you qualify for Medicaid in Massachusetts, then you may be eligible for the Lifeline Program. In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program, MassHealth, which covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
You may qualify for MassHealth based on your income or if you are:
- A parent or relative caretaker with children under the age of 19
- Below the age of 64
- Pregnant
- Disabled
- HIV-positive
- Experiencing breast or cervical cancer
- Over the age of 65 and needing care
Learn more about MassHealth.
How to Qualify for Lifeline by Income
Your household may also qualify for Lifeline if you meet the below income requirements.
| Household Size | 48 States, DC, & Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| For each additional person add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
Note: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2025. This chart does not pertain to California.
Apply For Lifeline
Get Connected with LTE Wireless in Massachusetts
If you qualify for Lifeline, you automatically qualify for amazing offers from LTE Wireless. You’ll receive a free SIM card to use with your existing device, with 4.5 GB of 4G/LTE data, unlimited talk and text, and free international calls to over 200 countries.*
Apply for a Free Phone Plan
LTE Wireless Communications, Inc. and Sage Telecom Communications, LLC are both authorized to use LTE Wireless as a trade name.
Free Government Phone Programs in Massachusetts FAQ
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available in Massachusetts?
Unfortunately, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer available in Massachusetts or any other state. It was a free government phone program that operated similarly to Lifeline. On June 1st, 2024, it closed due to a lack of funding - there’s no set renewal date.
Though the ACP has been shuttered, other free government phone programs and cellular connectivity assistance programs still exist. Lifeline is offered in every state as a federal program, and some states, like California, have programs that supplement federal offerings.
Still Have Questions?
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