A working phone and internet connection aren’t luxuries anymore. You need them to apply for jobs, talk to doctors, and keep in touch with your kids’ school. Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households.
What Lifeline offers
Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone service, internet service, or a bundle, through participating companies. Households on Tribal lands can receive a larger discount. The benefit is limited to one per household.
Who qualifies
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in your household participates in programs such as:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
How to apply
- Go to the National Verifier at the official Lifeline website, or apply through a participating phone or internet company.
- Provide your information and proof of eligibility.
- Once approved, choose a participating company and plan.
- Recertify every year to keep the benefit.
Watch out for scams
Lifeline is free to apply for. Be careful with anyone who asks for payment to sign you up, asks for your full Social Security number on the street without explaining why, or promises a free phone in exchange for personal information you’re not comfortable giving.
Choosing a provider
Once you’re approved, you’ll pick a participating company. Plans can be quite different, so compare a few before you choose. Look at:
- How much data and how many minutes are included
- Whether a phone is included or you need to bring your own
- Coverage in your neighborhood
- Whether the plan has any monthly cost after the discount
- How easy it is to reach customer service
How to recertify and keep your benefit
Every year, you’ll be asked to confirm that you still qualify. You may get a letter, email, text, or phone call. Respond quickly, because if you miss the deadline, your Lifeline benefit can be removed. If you’re no longer eligible, for example because your income went up, you’re required to tell your provider.
If you move
Lifeline is tied to your household, so update your address with your provider when you move. If you move to a new state, you may need to choose a provider that serves your new area.
A real-life example
Henry, who receives SSI, was spending too much on his phone plan. A volunteer at his senior center showed him how to apply for Lifeline through the National Verifier. He was approved because he already received SSI.
He switched to a participating provider and now pays much less each month while keeping the same phone number.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Apply through the official website or a participating provider you trust.
- Have your benefit letter, such as SNAP or Medicaid, ready as proof.
- Mark your annual recertification date on a calendar.
- Compare plans. Some providers offer more data than others.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments and ended in 2024 when funding ran out. Lifeline is a separate, ongoing program.
Can two people in the same home get Lifeline?
Generally, no. It’s one benefit per household, though roommates who share an address but not income may count as separate households.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Often yes, if you switch to a participating provider. Ask the provider.
Related guides
- Free Government Phone: Who Qualifies and How to Get One
- Free or Low-Cost Internet: Options for Low-Income Families
- Utility Assistance Programs: Help With Electric, Gas, and Water Bills
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.