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- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
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Lifeline Eligibility in Oregon
Lifeline Eligibility in Oregon
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2026 Federal Income Guidelines
Oregon · annual household income
| Household size | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546.00 |
| 2 people | $29,214.00 |
| 3 people | $36,882.00 |
| 4 people | $44,550.00 |
| 5 people | $52,218.00 |
| 6 people | $59,886.00 |
| 7 people | $67,554.00 |
| 8 people | $75,222.00 |
| Each additional person | $7,668.00 |
USAC’s published 2026 table, checked September 5, 2026. These are federal Lifeline thresholds at 135% of the poverty guideline, not state supplemental-program thresholds or a personal eligibility decision.
Qualifying Programs
Household Rules
- One Lifeline benefit per economic household.
- A qualifying child or dependent’s participation can also support an application.
- People sharing an address can be separate households if they do not share income and expenses.
Additional Programs on Qualifying Tribal Lands
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start, when its income standard is met
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Scope of This Guidance
The additional Tribal program route applies to residents of qualifying Tribal lands. It is not a general eligibility route for everyone in the state.
These pages explain federal Lifeline rules. State-funded supplements, individual application decisions and address coverage require separate confirmation.
Required Documents
- Program route: a current benefit letter, statement or benefits-portal record identifying the participant, program and issuing organization.
- Income route: an accepted tax return, annual income statement or three consecutive months of income records. Follow the documentation request for dates and household members.
- Identity and address: provide accepted proof if the application cannot verify these automatically.
- Household information: an additional worksheet may be needed when separate households share an address. Submit documents only through the official application process.
Application Process
- Oregon and Texas use their state Lifeline application processes. Start with the state program or ask a participating company for application assistance.
- Complete the eligibility review and provide any requested documents.
- After approval, enroll with a participating company and confirm the service and device terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a qualifying program and a low income?
These are alternative routes under the federal rules. Participation in an eligible program can qualify a household without using the income route; applicants who use income must meet the applicable household threshold.
Can two households at the same address qualify?
A household consists of people who live together and share income and expenses. Separate economic households can share an address. The application may ask for a household worksheet; only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Does approval guarantee a free phone?
Lifeline helps pay for service. A handset offer is a separate provider offer, with its own availability and conditions. Confirm device cost, shipping and stock before enrolling.
Do these tables include every state assistance program?
No. These are the federal Lifeline income guidelines for 2026. State supplements may have different rules or benefits. Oregon and Texas also use state application processes.
Is there help for survivors who need a separate phone line?
USAC describes a separate emergency benefit for eligible survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and related crimes. It requires proof of an attempted line separation and financial hardship; broader qualifying routes may apply. It can provide up to six months of emergency Lifeline support. Ask the Lifeline Support Center about the survivor benefit.
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Providers in Oregon
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