Montana Lifeline: free government phones & eligibility
MT 22 approved carriers Enhanced Tribal benefit available
The federal Lifeline program is available to qualifying low-income households throughout Montana. With approximately 290,000 Medicaid enrollees and 108,000 SNAP recipients statewide, hundreds of thousands of Montana residents qualify for a free smartphone and free monthly service through one of the 22 Lifeline-approved carriers operating in the state.
Lifeline-approved carriers serving Montana
The carriers below are USAC-approved Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) operating in Montana. Each will apply the federal Lifeline subsidy to a monthly plan and most include a free smartphone with new enrollment. Click any carrier to see how its Montana service compares.
| Carrier | Network | Data | Talk & Text | Device |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Wireless | T-Mobile | 15 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone with enrollment |
| AirTalk Wireless | T-Mobile / Verizon | 15 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone, optional upgrade with copay |
| American Assistance | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone |
| Assurance Wireless | T-Mobile | 25 GB | Unlimited | Free Android smartphone (model varies) |
| Cintex Wireless | T-Mobile | 12 GB | Unlimited | Free Android device on sign-up |
| Easy Wireless | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone with enrollment |
| Excellus Wireless | T-Mobile | 8 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone with sign-up |
| FeelSafe Wireless | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone |
| Infiniti Mobile | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone or use your own |
| Life Wireless | T-Mobile / AT&T | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone provided |
| NewPhone Wireless | T-Mobile / AT&T | 15 GB | Unlimited | Free Android smartphone or BYOP |
| Q Link Wireless | T-Mobile | 25 GB | Unlimited | Free 4G LTE Android smartphone |
| ReachOut Mobile | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone provided |
| SafeLink Wireless | Verizon | 25 GB | Unlimited | Free Android smartphone with new enrollment (mode… |
| StandUp Wireless | Verizon | 15 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone shipped to home |
| TAG Mobile | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free Android smartphone |
| Tempo Telecom | AT&T / T-Mobile | 8 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone with enrollment |
| TerraCom Wireless | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone provided |
| TruConnect | T-Mobile | 14 GB | Unlimited | Free Android phone with enrollment |
| True Wireless | AT&T / T-Mobile | 8 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone |
| Vista Mobile | T-Mobile | 10 GB | Unlimited | Free Android smartphone |
| enTouch Wireless | Sprint/T-Mobile | 8 GB | Unlimited | Free smartphone with sign-up |
Eligibility requirements in Montana
Lifeline eligibility in Montana follows federal standards set by the FCC and administered by USAC. There are two routes: program-based qualification and income-based qualification. You only need to meet one.
You automatically qualify if anyone in your household participates in:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — 108,000 Montana recipients
- Medicaid — 290,000 Montana enrollees
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 / HUD)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income-eligible)
Income-based eligibility
If you do not participate in any of the programs above, you can still qualify based on household income. The threshold is 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Household size | Annual income limit (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,008 |
| 2 people | $28,424 |
| 3 people | $35,840 |
| 4 people | $43,680 |
| Each additional person | + $7,557 |
How to apply for Lifeline in Montana (step by step)
- Confirm a qualifying program or income level. Gather proof — a recent benefits letter (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI), three consecutive months of pay stubs, a W-2, or a tax return.
- Visit the verifier portal. Go to nv.fcc.gov/lifeline and create an account.
- Complete the application. Provide your full legal name, date of birth, last four digits of your SSN (or a Tribal ID), and physical address in Montana. PO Boxes are not accepted as a primary residential address.
- Get an Application ID. Once your eligibility is confirmed (instantly if you're in a connected database, or within 5–10 business days with documentation), you'll receive an Application ID.
- Choose a carrier. Pick from the 22 Lifeline carriers serving Montana listed above. Visit the carrier's site, give them your Application ID, and they will activate service and ship your free phone.
- Recertify each year. USAC will contact you annually to confirm continued eligibility. Miss the window and your benefit will be de-enrolled within 60 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lifeline free phone program still active in Montana in 2025?
Yes. The federal Lifeline program continues to operate in Montana and provides a monthly subsidy of up to $9.25 ($34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands) toward phone, internet, or bundled service. Most Montana carriers apply this credit toward a free smartphone and free monthly service.
Who qualifies for a free Lifeline phone in Montana?
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (currently $21008 for a single-person household, $43680 for a family of four) OR if anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Where do I apply for Lifeline in Montana?
Most Montana residents apply through USAC's National Verifier at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. Once approved by the National Verifier, you select a participating Montana carrier and complete enrollment with them.
How long does Montana Lifeline approval take?
If your eligibility can be confirmed automatically by the National Verifier (typically when you're enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid), approval is instant. If you need to upload documentation, expect 5–10 business days for review.
Can I have more than one Lifeline phone in my Montana household?
No. The Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household, regardless of state. USAC defines a household as people who live together and share income and expenses. Two unrelated adults sharing the same address can each qualify if they manage their finances independently.
Related Montana resources
- Full Lifeline eligibility guide
- Understanding the National Verifier
- All qualifying federal programs
- Using Lifeline for home internet
- Annual recertification
- Enhanced Tribal Lifeline benefits ($34.25/mo)
For the official Lifeline rule text and program announcements, see the FCC Lifeline program page and the USAC Lifeline data dashboard.