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Indiana residents may qualify for Lifeline assistance with monthly phone or internet service. A participating company may also advertise a device offer, but the federal benefit does not guarantee a free smartphone, a particular iPhone, or unlimited data.
Check whether your household qualifies
USAC’s eligibility rules include SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and certain Tribal programs. An income-based route is available at 135% or less of the applicable federal poverty guidelines.
Age alone and ordinary Social Security retirement income do not establish program-based eligibility. A qualifying senior may instead use the income route or another listed benefit. Lifeline is generally limited to one benefit per household, not one per person.
If you need a current Indiana benefit notice or help with SNAP, call 800-403-0864 or use the Indiana SNAP directory. For health coverage, see Indiana Medicaid eligibility. These agencies verify benefits; they do not reserve a phone model for you.
Apply in four steps
- Confirm your eligibility route. Gather the identity, address, and benefit or income evidence requested by USAC. Do not rely only on a picture of an EBT card if the application requests a dated benefit notice.
- Submit the Lifeline application. Start at USAC’s How to Apply page, which provides online, provider-assisted, and mail options.
- Compare companies serving your ZIP code. Use Companies Near Me, then confirm availability and coverage with the company at your actual address.
- Select and activate service. Review the company’s written plan, any device offer, number-transfer instructions, and total charges before enrolling. Keep the approval and order confirmations.
For application help, the Lifeline Support Center is 800-234-9473. Device delivery, returns, and service issues belong with the chosen company.
How to choose a provider
Ask each company the same questions so you can compare the answers:
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Monthly price | Your bill after the Lifeline discount, including required charges |
| Data | High-speed allowance, speed after the allowance, and hotspot availability |
| Device | Exact model, new or refurbished condition, upfront cost, and warranty |
| Coverage | Service at home, work, and other places you use the phone |
| Existing Lifeline | Whether enrollment transfers your present benefit |
| Delivery | Availability, shipping estimate, and return terms |
There is no verified “best provider” for every Indiana household. An advertised $0 device can still come with tradeoffs in coverage, battery condition, data, or ongoing cost. This guide does not claim a current stock list for Apple, Samsung, or other manufacturers.
Keep the benefit active
Read renewal and verification notices from USAC or your company, and follow the usage requirements for your plan. USAC’s consumer help page explains which questions its support center handles and which to take to the service provider.
Sources checked October 3, 2026.