Free phone eligibility in Hawaii
There are two ways to qualify for Lifeline in Hawaii: take part in a qualifying benefit program, or have household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
1. Qualify through a benefit program
You are eligible if you or someone in your household gets benefits from any of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you live on Tribal lands
These programs also count for households on federally recognized Tribal lands, which can get a larger discount of up to $34.25 a month:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Head Start (income-eligible households only)
- Tribal Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
2. Qualify by household income
You qualify if your household's total yearly income before taxes is at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are set higher for Hawaii:
| Household size | Poverty guideline (100%) | Income limit (135%) | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,360 | $24,786 | $2,065 |
| 2 people | $24,890 | $33,602 | $2,800 |
| 3 people | $31,420 | $42,417 | $3,534 |
| 4 people | $37,950 | $51,233 | $4,269 |
| 5 people | $44,480 | $60,048 | $5,004 |
| 6 people | $51,010 | $68,864 | $5,738 |
| 7 people | $57,540 | $77,679 | $6,473 |
| 8 people | $64,070 | $86,495 | $7,207 |
| Each additional person: add $8,816 per year to the income limit | |||
How to apply in Hawaii
- 1
Gather proof
A benefit letter, or proof of income such as last year's tax return or three months of pay stubs, plus a photo ID.
- 2
Choose a provider
Compare the 3 Lifeline providers serving Hawaii.
- 3
Apply
Apply on the provider's official site or through the Lifeline National Verifier. Approval is often same day.
Ready to compare plans?
3 providers offer Lifeline service in Hawaii.
We are not a carrier or a government agency. Apply only on the provider's official website or through the Lifeline National Verifier.