You apply for Life Wireless online at lifewireless.com/enroll. You qualify the same way as with any free government phone company: through a program such as SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, or with household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. After you are approved, Life Wireless asks you to complete activation by calling its Activation Line at 770-200-1000.
This guide covers applying, the documents to have ready, activation, and switching to Life Wireless from another Lifeline company. For the company overview and data by state, read our Life Wireless review. For the general program steps, see how to apply for Lifeline.
Step by step
- Check your state’s plan page on lifewireless.com to see the data you would get.
- Start your application at lifewireless.com/enroll.
- Enter your details and choose how you qualify: a program or income.
- Upload proof if asked (see the table below).
- Once approved, call the Activation Line at 770-200-1000 to complete activation.
- Make a test call. Then use your service at least once every 30 days; see the Lifeline 30-day usage rule.
If you started an application and need to continue, Life Wireless has a continue page at lifewireless.com/enroll/activate/start.
Documents to have ready
| Proof | Examples Life Wireless mentions |
|---|---|
| Program participation | Benefit letter for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension or a Tribal program |
| Income | Last year’s tax return, or a Social Security benefits statement |
| Identity | Government or Tribal photo ID |
Our guide to Lifeline documents shows what each must include to be accepted the first time.
Switching to Life Wireless from another company
Life Wireless says that if you have had Lifeline service for more than 60 days, you can fill out its application and be switched automatically, and you can keep your phone number. This is a Lifeline transfer: don’t cancel your old service first.
Fees to know before you apply
- The state plan pages list a one-time, non-refundable $50 fee for a physical SIM or eSIM.
- In California, a $39.99 activation charge is waived for approved California LifeLine customers; see Life Wireless California LifeLine.
Ask customer care to confirm which fees apply in your state before you finish; see Life Wireless customer service.
After you’re approved
- If you are bringing your own phone, see Life Wireless bring your own phone.
- If your application is denied, our guide to a denied Lifeline application matches each reason to a fix.
- Recertify once a year from the date your service began; see how to recertify Lifeline.
To compare Life Wireless with other companies first, see our Lifeline providers guide. If you get SNAP, a current benefit letter is usually the fastest proof.
Sources: Life Wireless: Home, Life Wireless: What is Lifeline, Life Wireless: FAQ, Life Wireless: Navigating the Lifeline application process, Life Wireless: Texas plan, Life Wireless: California FAQ, Life Wireless: Terms.