Staying connected is essential for work, education, and accessing services—but for many households, phone and internet bills can be a burden. That’s where the Lifeline Program steps in, offering monthly discounts on these services to make communication more affordable for those who qualify.
Backed by the federal government, Lifeline ensures that essential connectivity isn’t out of reach, especially for low-income families. Learn who qualifies, how to apply, and which providers participate. You’ll also discover helpful alternatives and tools to make the most of your benefits—because access to information shouldn’t come at a high price.
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What Is the Lifeline Program and Who Is Eligible?
The Lifeline Program is a U.S. government initiative that provides discounted or free phone and internet service to low-income households.
Administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the program helps ensure all Americans have access to essential communication services.
Who Qualifies?
The Lifeline Program provides critical assistance to low-income Americans, but eligibility requirements vary depending on your circumstances. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who can qualify:
Participation in Government Assistance Programs
If you currently receive benefits from any of these federal programs, you automatically qualify:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Commonly known as food stamps;
- Medicaid – Government health insurance for low-income individuals;
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Cash assistance for elderly, blind, or disabled individuals;
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8, FPHA) – Subsidized housing programs;
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit – For qualifying veterans and surviving spouses.
How to prove eligibility:
- Recent benefit award letter (within the last 12 months);
- Official documentation showing enrollment.
Income-Based Qualification
Even if you don’t participate in the programs above, you may still qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
2024 Income Limits (48 Contiguous States & D.C.)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
| 1 person | $20,331 |
| 2 people | $27,594 |
| 3 people | $34,857 |
| 4 people | $42,120 |
| Each additional person | +$7,263 |
Note: higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii.
Tribal Lands Residents (Additional Benefits)
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you may be eligible for enhanced Lifeline benefits, including:
- Higher discounts (up to $34.25/month);
- Expanded program eligibility.
What Doesn’t Qualify?
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Not an eligible program;
- State-only assistance programs – Must be federal programs;
- Previous year’s tax returns – Current income documentation required.
How to Confirm Your Eligibility
The fastest way to check is through the:
- Official Lifeline Eligibility Tool
- National Verifier system (handles all applications)
Important: Only one Lifeline discount per household is allowed, even if multiple members qualify.
For the most up-to-date requirements, always refer to the FCC’s Lifeline page.
Why These Requirements Matter
Understanding these qualifications helps you:
- Avoid application rejections by submitting the right proof
- Maximize benefits if you qualify under multiple programs
- Help others determine if they might be eligible
If you meet any of these criteria, applying could save you hundreds per year on essential phone and internet services.
How to Apply for the Lifeline Program
Applying for the Lifeline Program is easier than many people think. Whether you’re seeking help with your phone bill, internet service, or both, the process starts by checking your eligibility based on income or participation in federal assistance programs.
Once confirmed, you can apply online or by mail and choose a participating provider in your area. With just a few documents and steps, you could be saving on essential services in no time.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Use the online eligibility tool at Lifeline Support;
- Or call 1-800-234-9473 for assistance.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of participation in a qualifying program (benefit award letter);
- Proof of income (tax return, paycheck stub);
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport).
Step 3: Apply Online or by Mail
- Online: Submit via the National Verifier;
- Mail: Download and mail the application from the FCC website.
Step 4: Choose a Service Provider
Once approved, select a Lifeline provider in your state. Major options include:
- TruConnect;
- SafeLink Wireless;
- Assurance Wireless.
For more money-saving tips, see our guide on how to save on bills.
What Internet and Phone Services Are Covered?
Lifeline benefits include:
- Free or discounted cell phone service (unlimited talk & text);
- Low-cost home internet (up to $9.25/month discount);
- Data plans (varies by provider).
Note: you can only receive one Lifeline discount per household.
Alternatives to Lifeline You Might Not Know About
While Lifeline is a widely used program, it’s not the only option for affordable connectivity. Several state and local initiatives offer similar benefits, and some internet providers have their own discount programs for low-income customers.
There are also nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost devices and services. Exploring these alternatives can help ensure you find the best fit for your needs—especially if you don’t qualify for Lifeline.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- Provides up to $30/month for internet ($75/month for tribal lands);
- Can be combined with Lifeline for greater savings;
- Learn more at ACP Benefit.
State-Specific Assistance Programs
Many states offer additional low-income internet programs, such as:
- California Lifeline (extra discounts);
- Connecticut Access Health (free smartphones for Medicaid recipients).
Check USA.gov’s assistance page for local options.
Final Thoughts
The Lifeline Program is a crucial resource for affordable communication services. If you qualify, applying can save hundreds per year on phone and internet bills.Ready to apply? Visit LifelineSupport.org today to start your application.
