Lifeline For Seniors On Social Security
By FreePhone Atlas editors · Updated · Page 3 of 6
2. How Social Security Retirement Is Counted

If your only income is a Social Security retirement or disability check, Lifeline looks at the gross amount, before Medicare premiums are taken out.
For 2026, a single person qualifies with yearly income up to $21,546, which is about $1,795 a month. A married couple living together can have up to $29,214 a year, about $2,434 a month. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Your yearly benefit statement, the SSA-1099, is the easiest proof to send.
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