Veterans Get Free Government Phone Service Through Lifeline and the ACP
This Veterans Day, we unite to honor the brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our freedoms. Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country and what better way to reward our heroes than with FREE phone service every month.
With an estimated 18.5 million veterans living in the U.S. as of 20231, we owe it to them to make the transition to civilian life an easier process. Government assistance in the form of Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs not only helps veterans facing unique challenges and economic hardships, but it can also help veterans maintain reliable connectivity at zero cost.
Thanks to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), two federal assistance programs that provide monthly discounts for phone and internet services to low-income Americans, Q Link Wireless is able to empower veterans with UNLIMITED* Data, Talk & Text on one of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks.
See if You Qualify for FREE Cell Phone Service!
What is the Lifeline Program?
In 1984, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Lifeline Program to make telecommunications services more accessible and affordable for low-income American households.
The Lifeline Program provides qualifying households a monthly service discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service or up to $34.25 for households living on Tribal lands2.
Many consumers who qualify for the Lifeline Program use their discounts toward their mobile phone service. By using the Lifeline Benefit this way, veterans can get FREE phone service on one of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks.
The best kept secret is that Lifeline and ACP phone companies like Q Link Wireless use the same cellular networks as the leading carriers. So you can enjoy the same reliable coverage with UNLIMITED* Talk & Text for $0 a month!
It’s also worth mentioning that each qualifying household can receive up to one Lifeline Benefit, which is non-transferable between people.
How Do Veterans Qualify for Lifeline?
You may qualify for Lifeline as a veteran based on your annual household income or participation in specific government programs such as the Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and more.
The National Verifier (NV) database, the centralized application system for Lifeline and the ACP, determines whether consumers are eligible for the Lifeline benefit.
Some states like California, Oregon, and Texas also have their own state-funded Lifeline programs and databases. These state-specific Lifeline Programs have different eligibility criteria than the federal Lifeline Program and may offer additional phone or internet service discounts.
Lifeline Program Income Qualifications for Veterans
To qualify for Lifeline, Veterans must have an annual household income of 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines3. Income thresholds vary per size of household, as described in the table below:
2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size4 | All 48 States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $19,683 |
| 2 | $26,622 |
| 3 | $33,561 |
| 4 | $40,500 |
| 5 | $47,439 |
| 6 | $54,378 |
| 7 | $61,317 |
| 8 | $68,256 |
| For each extra person, add this amount: | $6,939 |
Qualifying for Lifeline Through Government Programs
The second way to qualify for Lifeline as a veteran is through specific federal assistance programs. You, a dependent, or someone in your household must currently participate in one of the following government programs to be eligible for the Lifeline Benefit:
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only households that meet the income qualifying standard)
The ACP Delivers Affordable Connectivity to Veterans
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC introduced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to help families and households afford internet service and stay connected while in quarantine. After December 31, 2021, the FCC replaced the EBB program with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and provided new ways for low-income households to qualify.
The ACP offers several key benefits to veterans looking for affordable internet, including:
- A monthly discount of up to $30 toward internet service,
- A monthly discount of up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands2,
- And a one-time discount of up to $100 for an internet device such as a computer, laptop, or tablet from a participating provider (requires a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).
The eligibility criteria for the ACP and the rules for using these benefits properly are similar to the Lifeline Program. For example, like Lifeline, only one ACP benefit is allowed per household and is non-transferable.
The ACP is separate from the FCC’s Lifeline Program, so qualifying veterans can apply for and receive benefits from both programs.
How Can Veterans Get FREE Phone Service with the ACP?
By signing up with Q Link Wireless and applying the ACP benefits to their mobile phone service, veterans receive FREE cell phone service every month.
Imagine having the same reliable coverage as the leading carriers while enjoying UNLIMITED* Data, Talk & Text with no contract, no monthly bills, and no hidden fees.
Veterans can also upgrade their mobile experience by using ACP’s $100 internet device discount to get a New Tablet^ for a one-time co-payment of $10.01. Delivering the best of what a touchscreen tablet has to offer with a sleek and lightweight design, the Q Link Tablet^ is the ultimate companion for connectivity on the go.
These are legit government benefits that’ll boost your monthly savings!
How Do Veterans Qualify for the ACP?
ACP eligibility usually depends on household income, with the income thresholds varying from state to state. Veterans with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines5 generally qualify for the ACP.
Additionally, veterans who participate in Lifeline or other government assistance programs like SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, FPHA, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Program can also qualify for ACP benefits.
ACP Annual Income Qualifications for Veterans
To qualify for the ACP through income, veterans must have an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines5. Income thresholds may vary depending on the state and size of the household. The limits are shown in the table below:
2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size4 | All 48 States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
| For each extra person, add this amount: | $10,280 |
Qualifying for ACP Benefits Through Government Programs
Like Lifeline, veterans can qualify for the ACP through a number of government benefit programs. This list includes many of the same programs that make veterans eligible for Lifeline, with the addition of a few more.
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- Lifeline Program
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/Section 811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
- Federal Pell Grant for the current award year
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program, or enrollment in a Community Eligibility Provision School
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (must meet the income qualifying standard)
How Do Veterans Get FREE Phone Service with Lifeline and the ACP?
Q Link Wireless offers veterans FREE UNLIMITED* monthly cell phone service when they qualify for Lifeline and the ACP. Among the many veteran benefits available, having reliable cell phone service for $0 a month offers several opportunities and helps veterans achieve a better quality of life.
Q Link Wireless is recognized as the #1 Online Lifeline Provider in the U.S. and has been a government benefits service provider for more than 10 years. Millions of customers across America receive UNLIMITED* Data, Talk & Text on one of the largest 4G LTE/5G networks and enjoy no monthly bills, contracts, or hidden fees.
By using ACP’s internet device discount, veterans can enhance their mobile experience and connectivity with a New Tablet^ for a one-time co-payment of $10.01. The Q Link Tablet^ has the best of what a touchscreen tablet has to offer, it’s easy to use and lightweight for easy entertainment on the go.
New and existing customers also get 2 months of Amazon Prime† FREE, courtesy of Q Link Wireless. That’s FREE UNLIMITED* cell phone service for veterans with all the Prime benefits. So take advantage now!
How FREE UNLIMITED* Cell Phone Service Benefits Veterans
For veterans, free and reliable connectivity is more than just convenience; it’s a source of emotional support, a lifeline in times of crisis, and a means to maintain strong, healthy relationships. Whether reaching out to family members, catching up with friends, or connecting with support networks, having FREE cell phone service ensures that veterans are never isolated.
Thanks to Lifeline and the ACP, Q Link Wireless empowers veterans with the means to search for employment, participate in virtual job interviews, and pursue online training to boost their skills, thus significantly enhancing employability in today’s competitive job market.
Reliable access to the internet also ensures that veterans can easily schedule telehealth appointments, consult with medical professionals, and access healthcare information. In a world where access to healthcare is increasingly digital, these programs remove the barriers that could otherwise prevent veterans from receiving timely and essential medical care.
Together with Lifeline and the ACP, Q Link Wireless continues to bridge the digital divide by providing FREE UNLIMITED* monthly cell phone service to veterans. It’s our way of saying “thank you” to our veterans so they can continue to lead fulfilling lives post-service.
Veterans, sign up today for FREE government cell phone service with Q Link Wireless!
Disclaimers
*UNLIMITED Data & Talk is an offer funded by the ACP. See Terms & Conditions. Must qualify.
^ACP discounted device offer is subject to product availability. Customers will be notified of device shipment and must contribute a co-payment of $10.01. Tablet offer varies by state. ACP Terms & Conditions apply.
†Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime by visiting ‘Manage Prime Membership’ in ‘Your Account’ on Amazon.com and adjusting your membership settings. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Amazon Prime Access is $6.99/month after the 2-month promotional period if you opt-in for autorenewal. You are eligible for Prime Access (a discounted Amazon Prime membership) if you are an EBT cardholder or qualify for select government assistance or discounts. Amazon, Amazon Prime, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Offer requires a Q Link Wireless account showing active usage at least once a month.
References
1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; “Department of Veterans Affairs Statistics at a Glance” – https://www.va.gov/VETDATA/docs/Quickfacts/Stats_at_a_glance_6_30_23.pdf
2. Eligible Tribal Lands for Lifeline and the ACP – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/fcc_tribal_lands_map.pdf
3. 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
4. What is a Household? – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/what-is-a-household/
5. 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for ACP – https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/application-and-eligibility-resources/how-to-prove-income/
