Lifeline Phone and Internet Savings

Overview

What Lifeline is

Lifeline is overseen by the FCC and administered by USAC. It lowers the monthly cost of eligible phone, internet, or bundled service for qualifying households.

The discount is normally limited to one Lifeline benefit per household. That means household rules matter if more than one person at the same address receives assistance.

• It can apply to phone, internet, or bundled service from participating companies.
• It may be larger for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands.
• It is separate from retail senior phone plans, carrier loyalty offers, and device financing.
• It requires ongoing eligibility, including recertification when asked.

Eligibility

Who may qualify

A household may qualify through participation in a listed public assistance program or through income. Lifeline also has specific rules for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes.

Older adults should check Lifeline even if they do not see a senior label on the offer. The program is based on need and qualifying programs, not age alone.

• Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit may qualify a household.
• Income-based eligibility uses the federal poverty guidelines and household size.
• A child or dependent participating in a qualifying program can also support eligibility.
• Oregon and Texas use separate state application paths according to Lifeline Support.

Documents

What to gather before applying

• Legal name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of a Social Security number or other accepted identity information.
• Proof of participation in a qualifying program, such as a current benefit letter.
• Income proof if applying through income instead of a qualifying program.
• A separate household worksheet if someone else at your address already receives Lifeline.
• Current phone or internet bill so you can compare the final price after the discount.

Apply

Where to verify and apply

Use Lifeline Support to check eligibility, apply online or by mail, and search for providers. After approval, contact a participating phone or internet company to connect the benefit to service.

Before switching service, compare coverage, taxes and fees, data limits, device costs, contract terms, customer support, and whether keeping your current number is possible.

Local differences

What varies by provider and location

• Not every phone or internet company offers Lifeline in every ZIP code.
• A low advertised price may not include taxes, fees, activation charges, device charges, or overage costs.
• Mobile coverage, home internet speeds, data caps, and equipment rules vary widely.
• Some households may save more by changing an expensive plan than by adding Lifeline to a poor-fit plan.

Next steps

A monthly bill review checklist

• Check Lifeline eligibility through the official site.
• Use Companies Near Me to list providers, then call at least two before switching.
• Ask each provider for the total monthly price after Lifeline, including taxes and fees.
• Ask whether you must buy or finance a device to receive the offer.
• Save recertification notices and respond before the deadline so the discount is not removed.