Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Lori Pace
Lifeline is a government benefit that offers free mobile phone service to millions of eligible customers in Iowa. You may also be eligible for Lifeline if you get assistance from:
- SNAP/Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Other government programs
Additionally, if your household income is at least Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a government benefit program, offers discounts on monthly broadband Internet service. Upgraded plans can be offered to eligible consumers that offer additional data each month.
- Visit the application page of Lifeline to get a 5.5 inch phone with unlimited talk and text and 10GB data.
- Visit this Lifeline application page to get a sim card for free (without a smartphone) that includes 1000 voice minutes, 500 text messages, and 100MB of data.
Are you eligible to receive a free government phone and a free service in Iowa?
Participating in certain government assistance programs or meeting income guidelines may help you qualify for Lifeline or ACP.
Free Government Phone in Iowa Qualifying By Program
SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh
The following information should be included in the Program Approval Letter or Benefit Statement, as well as Verification of Coverage Letter.
- Name of the program
- Name of the beneficiary
- Dates of eligibility for OR
- Current participation status
Other Option
The following information should be included in an eligibility screenshot, or printed out from an online portal tool:
- Name of the program, or equivalent state program
- Name of the beneficiary
- Number of the case
- Dates of eligibility for OR
- Current participation status
Medicaid / Medi-Cal
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:
- Name of the program or state equivalent,
- Name of the beneficiary,
- Address of the beneficiary, and
- Date of the award
Other Option
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:
- Name of the program or state equivalent,
- Name of the beneficiary
- Medical Identification number, OR
- Case number,
- Eligibility dates, OR
- Current participation status
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Approval Letter, Benefit Statement or Notice of Acceptance issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead should include:
- Name of the consumer
- Date
- Date of eligibility
- Claim number OR Another consumer identification number
- Payment amount
Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit
The following information should be included in a Pension Grant Letter:
- Name of the participant
- Address
- The participant’s monthly entitlement amount is decided.
- Payment start date
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
The following information should be included in the FPHA award letter:
- Name of the program
- Date of award
- Name and address of the beneficiary
- The award amount.
Free Government Phone Qualifying by Income in Iowa
If your household income is below the poverty guidelines in your state, you may be eligible for Lifeline benefits.
| Persons in Household | Income |
| 1 member | $18,347 |
| 2 members | $24,719 |
| 3 members | $31,091 |
| 4 members | $37,463 |
| 5 members | $43,835 |
| Add for each additional member | $6,372 |
You can qualify by your income and show one of these as proof:
- Previous Year’s State-, Federal- or Tribal Tax Return
- Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation Benefits Statement
- Divorce Decree and Child Support Documents
- Statement on Veterans Administration Benefits
- Current Income Statement from the Employer or Paycheck Stubs
- Statement on Retirement/Pension Benefits
- Statement on Social Security Benefits
