Lifeline and Boost Mobile programs differ from those of other Lifeline providers. On the other hand, Boost Mobile offers prepaid plans with no yearly commitments and superior coverage through T-Mobile network towers. Additionally, although you can apply for your Lifeline discount in some places, the specifics of the Boost Mobile Lifeline program are unclear. Interestingly, this carrier previously offered a specific type of Lifeline Assistance, but it has since been discontinued.
This Lifeline discount, along with other Boost Mobile plans that include free phones, is available to you. Additionally, you must be eligible for the California Lifeline program, which has requirements comparable to those of the regular Lifeline program. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility standards outlined in this article, you are eligible for the Boost Mobile Lifeline discount.
However, as of 2025, Boost Mobile does not offer a Lifeline program directly. However, its affiliated brand, Gen Mobile, provides Lifeline services to eligible low-income individuals across 37 U.S. states. The Lifeline program is a federally funded initiative aimed at making phone and internet services more affordable for those in need
Most significantly, the FCC’s Lifeline program enhances the access of low-income consumers to communications services. Customers who purchase qualifying broadband Internet access, monthly cell phone service, or bundled voice-broadband packages from participating cellular providers are eligible for Lifeline savings. Consequently, the discount helps low-income customers access healthcare, employment, and educational opportunities, as well as afford the newest broadband.
Lifeline Program Process
As previously stated, Lifeline provides qualifying low-income consumers with a monthly discount of $9.25. Subscribers on Tribal territory can receive a monthly discount of up to $34.25. They might not receive a discount on both services simultaneously, but you may qualify for a Lifeline discount on either a landline or cellular service. According to FCC regulations, no household may have more than one Lifeline service.
You must also fulfill one of the requirements listed below to be eligible for the Boost Mobile Lifeline program. You can verify your eligibility by looking over the details on “Do I Qualify” at Lifeline Support. For savings on cell phones and cellular services, check out Boost Mobile’s new customer promotions if you’re not eligible.
READ MORE: How To Qualify for Lifeline Program Free Tablet
i) Qualification Based on Programs
If you or anyone in your home participates in any of the following eligible public assistance programs, you may qualify for Boost Mobile California Lifeline’s discount:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Food Stamps, Section 8 CalFresh, or Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- NSL, or the National School Lunch Program
- Families in Need of Temporary Assistance (TANF)
- Program for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (SNAP)
- CalWORKs’ Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program Opportunity for Employment in California and Obligation to Children
- GAIN stands for Greater Avenues for Independence.
- Eligible for Head Start Income (Tribal Only)
- Program for Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
- TANF Tribal
- Indian Affairs Bureau General Support
- The Federal Pension Benefit Program for Veterans and Survivors
READ MORE: Apply for Free Lifeline iPhone
ii) Qualification Based on Income
If your household’s yearly gross income is at or below the 135% suggested annual income limit, you may be eligible for Lifeline.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,041 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive months of pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
Advantages of the Lifeline Program
A federal program called Lifeline provides low-income households with cheaper phone and internet services. The monthly savings for eligible households can reach $9.25. Customers who live on Tribal territory, however, qualify for a larger monthly discount of $34.25. When applying for free government smartphones through Boost Mobile, keep the following in mind:
- With no eligibility restrictions, USAC’s Lifeline Support Center helps you apply for the program and retain your current benefit through an annual recertification process.
- Customers of Lifeline must first apply for the program, then join through a participating phone or internet service provider, renew their certification annually, and keep their information up to date.
- In addition to maintaining your service and addressing all inquiries regarding your service, mobile phone, device, or bill, your cell phone or Internet provider also enrolls you in the Lifeline program.
READ MORE: Boost Mobile Payment Plan
How to Get Lifeline Benefits: A Guide
a) Assess
To determine if you are eligible for the Lifeline program, you can apply now. Depending on your income or participation in a government assistance program, you may qualify for a Lifeline subsidy for Boost Mobile Government Phone.
To find out how to apply for the program, check with your internet or cell phone provider if you live in Oregon, California, or Texas, or visit the website of your state’s relevant department. Additionally, you can call the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473 if you need assistance with your Lifeline application and you have a disability.
b) Register to Get Lifeline
Choose a phone or internet provider that provides the Lifeline benefit, such as Boost Mobile, after you are eligible. After that, you can acquire free government cell phones for low-income people by signing up for service.
If your current employer offers the Lifeline benefit, you can also ask them to transfer your benefit to a provider you now use. You will begin receiving your Lifeline benefit as soon as the provider enrols you in the program.
READ MORE: Best Boost Mobile Phone Deals
Boost Mobile Lifeline program application
To begin, call 1-866-402-7366 to speak with Boost Mobile support, who will walk you through the application process. Nonetheless, you might adhere to the main procedures mentioned below:
- To begin the application process for the California Lifeline or Enhanced Lifeline savings, please call your phone carrier (in this case, Boost Mobile).
- To ensure you follow the rules, Boost Mobile will review the qualifying requirements with you.
- Within three weeks, the application form with your Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be sent to you in an envelope.
You can choose to apply manually or using the online process:
Online Procedure: Use the given PIN to apply at California Lifeline or
Manual Method: Your application should be completed, signed, and mailed to California Lifeline Administrator, P.O. Box 138014, Sacramento, CA 95813-8014.
You must obtain the appropriate documents, regardless of the process you choose. If your application is accepted, you will receive a letter of approval; if not, you will receive a letter of disqualification. Additionally, you can use it to complete the enrollment process through Boost Mobile if your application is accepted.
Advantages Of a Discount On Boost Mobile Lifeline
As previously stated, Boost Mobile does not provide any particular free Lifeline plans. You can, however, apply the Lifeline discount to any Boost Mobile plan. As a result, you gain access to the following advantages:
- No yearly service agreements
- Mobile hotspot
- 99% coverage across the country
- Special benefits
- Exclusive offers
- Freebies and Contests
- Flat-rate service discount of up to $14.85 per month
- You can choose from any of Boost Mobile’s plans, all of which include unlimited text and talk.
- A chance to purchase any of the discounted Boost Mobile handsets or bring your current phone.
Required Items Before Making the Switch to Boost Mobile
There are no particular switching criteria because Boost Mobile is a contract-free provider. In essence, all you have to do is choose a prepaid plan choice that best suits your needs. To use the plan, you also need a device. You have the option of using one of their devices or bringing your own.
- Enter *#06# to obtain your device’s IMEI or ESN number.
- To bring your phone, visit the “Bring Your Own Phone” page on the Boost Mobile website.
- Enter your device ID or IMEI.
You will need the money to buy a new Boost Mobile phone if you choose to use one, or you may take advantage of a special offer that gives new customers a phone for free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Boost Mobile’s Lifeline Program, designed to help eligible low-income individuals access affordable phone services:
1. What is the Boost Mobile Lifeline Program?
The Lifeline Program is a federal initiative that offers discounted phone services to qualifying low-income consumers. Boost Mobile participates in this program through its affiliated brand, Gen Mobile, providing eligible customers with free or reduced-cost mobile services.
2. Who is eligible for the Lifeline Program?
You may qualify for the Lifeline Program if:
- Income-Based Eligibility: Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Program-Based Eligibility: You or someone in your household participates in one of the following federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and it is non-transferable.
3. What benefits does the Lifeline Program offer through Boost Mobile?
Eligible customers can receive:
- Free or Discounted Phone Service: Including unlimited talk and text.
- Data Allowance: Plans may include data packages ranging from 1GB to 5GB per month, depending on the state and available plans.
- No Monthly Bills: For qualifying individuals, services are provided at no cost.
- Basic Smartphone: Access to entry-level Android smartphones suitable for essential tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.
4. How can I apply for the Boost Mobile Lifeline Program?
To apply:
- Visit: Go to the Boost Mobile Lifeline Program
- Check Eligibility: Review income and program participation criteria.
- Submit Documentation: Provide necessary documents such as proof of identity, income, or program participation.
- Choose a Plan: Select from the available Lifeline plans.
- Receive Your Phone: Upon approval, receive your free phone via mail or pick it up at a local store.
5. Can I keep my current phone number when switching to the Lifeline Program?
Yes, Boost Mobile allows number portability, enabling you to retain your existing phone number when enrolling in the Lifeline Program.
6. Are there any hidden fees associated with the Lifeline Program?
No, there are no hidden fees. Eligible customers receive free service without recurring charges. However, if you opt for additional services or upgrades beyond the basic plan, standard rates may apply.
7. What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The ACP was discontinued in May 2024 due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. Boost Mobile continues to support previous ACP customers by offering discounted rate plans.
8. How is Boost Mobile supporting former ACP customers?
Boost Mobile provides the following support:
- $15 5GB Rate Plan: Former ACP customers who migrated to this plan can continue at $15 per month plus taxes.
- Discounts on Higher Plans: Customers on $40, $50, or $60 individual rate plans receive $15 off their monthly charges for July, August, and September 2024
- Tribal Customers: Those on the $40 35GB plan receive $15 off their monthly charges for July, August, and September 2024.
9. Where can I find more information or assistance?
For more details or help:
- Boost Mobile Support: Visit the Boost Mobile Support Center.
- Gen Mobile Lifeline Program: Explore the Gen Mobile Lifeline Program page.
- FCC Lifeline Information: Learn more at the FCC Lifeline Program
Conclusion
One of the providers that focuses on offering free plans and phones to Lifeline-eligible consumers is Boost Mobile. Let’s say, however, that you live in California and qualify for Boost Mobile California Lifeline Assistance. If so, you can transfer your advantages to your Boost Mobile wireless account in the form of a discount. To be eligible for Lifeline benefits, you must fulfill the requirements outlined in this guideline.
