Save $9.25 a Month on Phone or Internet: The Lifeline Program Explained

In today’s world, phone and internet service aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials for finding work, accessing healthcare, staying connected with family, and handling basic tasks like banking. If you’re struggling to afford these services, the Lifeline program can help. It provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundled services, and if you live on Tribal lands, that discount jumps to $34.25 per month.

This isn’t a handout or a special “poor quality” service. Lifeline is a federal program that helps eligible low-income consumers get access to the same phone and internet services everyone else uses, just at a discounted price. You choose from participating providers in your area, pick the service that works for your needs, and the government covers part of the cost every month.

The program has been around since 1985, originally focused on basic telephone service. It’s evolved to now cover internet and bundled services because connectivity has become so critical for daily life. Whether you need a cell phone to stay in touch while looking for work, home internet so your kids can do schoolwork, or a combination of both, Lifeline can make these services affordable.

What the Lifeline Program Offers

Lifeline provides a discount on your monthly bill for qualifying communications services. You don’t receive cash—the benefit goes directly to the service provider, who then reduces your bill accordingly. The discount applies to one service per household, so you need to choose whether to use it for phone service, internet service, or a bundled package that includes both.

For most Americans, the benefit is $9.25 per month. That might not sound like a huge amount, but it adds up to over $110 per year. For many low-income households, that’s the difference between having phone service and going without, or between getting internet access and being digitally isolated.

If you live on federally recognized Tribal lands, the benefit is significantly larger—up to $34.25 per month. That’s over $410 annually, enough to cover most or all of the cost of basic service. Additionally, Tribal land residents can receive up to $100 off the first-time connection charge when they sign up, which can remove a major barrier to getting service in the first place.

The benefit is ongoing as long as you remain eligible and recertify annually. You’re not locked into using the same provider forever—you can switch to a different Lifeline provider at any time if you find a better deal or service from another company.

At a Glance: Key Program Details

Who Qualifies for Lifeline

Lifeline uses two pathways to determine eligibility. You only need to meet one of them to qualify.

Pathway 1: Income-Based Eligibility

If your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you qualify. The income thresholds change slightly each year and vary by household size. For 2024, here are some examples:

• One person household: $18,954 annually
• Two person household: $25,614 annually
• Three person household: $32,274 annually
• Four person household: $38,934 annually

These are annual gross income limits. If your household earns less than the threshold for your family size, you’re eligible based on income. You’ll need to provide documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements showing your income when you apply.

Pathway 2: Program Participation

If you or anyone in your household participates in certain federal assistance programs, you automatically qualify for Lifeline even if your income is above 135% of the poverty line. Qualifying programs include:

• Medicaid (state health insurance for low-income individuals)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
• Certain Tribal-specific programs including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and Head Start (if your income qualifies)

If you receive benefits from any of these programs, qualifying for Lifeline is straightforward—you just need to provide documentation of your participation, like an award letter or benefit statement.

One Benefit Per Household

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A “household” is defined as a group of people living together and sharing income and expenses. Basically, if you live with others and share costs, you’re one household and can only get one Lifeline benefit. The benefit doesn’t stack—you can’t have multiple people in the same household each claiming Lifeline for different phone lines.

There’s an exception: if you live with roommates who don’t share income and expenses with you (everyone pays their own bills separately), you might each qualify as separate households. This requires documentation proving you’re economically independent.

Understanding the Service Options

When you sign up for Lifeline, you choose what type of service to apply the benefit to. Here are your options and what to consider for each.

Mobile Phone Service

Most Lifeline participants choose mobile phone service. The discount applies to your monthly cell phone bill, and many Lifeline providers offer plans specifically designed for the program. These typically include a certain number of minutes, texts, and data each month.

Some Lifeline mobile plans are completely free after the $9.25 discount—the plan costs exactly $9.25, so after the benefit you pay $0. Others cost more than $9.25, so you’d pay the difference. For example, if you choose a plan that costs $30 per month, Lifeline covers $9.25 and you pay $20.75.

The quality of Lifeline mobile service is the same as non-Lifeline service from the same provider. You’re using the same network and getting the same coverage—it’s just discounted.

Home Internet Service

You can use Lifeline for home internet instead of phone service. This is a good choice if you already have an affordable phone option or if internet access is more critical for your household (for example, if you have school-age children doing remote learning).

The $9.25 monthly discount applies to your internet bill. If your internet costs $50 per month, you’ll pay $40.75 after the Lifeline benefit. You’re responsible for any equipment fees or installation charges unless those are covered by other promotions or programs.

Bundled Service (Phone + Internet)

Some providers offer bundles that include both phone and internet service. You can apply your Lifeline benefit to a bundle, getting the $9.25 discount on the total package price. This is often the most economical option if you need both services and the provider’s bundle pricing is competitive.

How to Apply for Lifeline

Getting Lifeline involves two main steps: proving you’re eligible and then choosing a provider and plan.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before spending time on an application, make sure you actually qualify. Check whether your household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines for your family size, or confirm that you participate in one of the qualifying assistance programs.

Most states use the National Verifier system, run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), to check eligibility. You apply through the National Verifier, provide documentation of your income or program participation, and they determine if you qualify. The application can be completed online at www.lifelinesupport.org or by calling the Lifeline Support Center.

In California, Oregon, and Texas, the process is different. These states have their own state-specific Lifeline programs. If you live in one of these states, visit your state’s website or contact a provider directly to learn how to apply in your state. The providers serving your area can explain the state-specific process.

Step 2: Choose a Provider and Enroll

Once you’re approved, you select a Lifeline provider operating in your area. Different providers offer different plans, coverage areas, and service quality, so it pays to compare your options.

Visit the USAC Lifeline website to see a list of providers serving your ZIP code. Look at what each offers—some focus on cheap or free basic service, while others offer more robust plans at slightly higher cost. Read reviews if you can find them, and ask friends or neighbors about their experiences with different providers.

After choosing a provider, contact them to sign up. You might need to provide your Lifeline approval information from the National Verifier. The provider will walk you through their enrollment process, send you a phone or install your internet service, and apply the Lifeline discount starting with your first bill.

If You Already Have Service

If you’re currently paying for phone or internet service with a provider that participates in Lifeline, you can ask them to apply the Lifeline benefit to your existing account after you’re approved. This way you don’t have to switch providers or phone numbers—you just start getting the discount.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Benefit

Compare providers carefully. Not all Lifeline providers offer the same value. One might give you a completely free phone with limited minutes and data. Another might charge you $15 out of pocket after the $9.25 discount but provide much more generous service. Think about what you actually need, not just what’s cheapest.

Don’t fall for scams. Legitimate Lifeline providers will never ask you to pay an application fee or charge you to receive the benefit. If someone calls or emails demanding money to “process” your Lifeline application, it’s a scam. Hang up and report it. Apply only through the official USAC website or directly with a known provider.

Recertify on time. Every year, you need to confirm you’re still eligible to keep receiving the benefit. USAC or your provider will contact you when it’s time to recertify. If you don’t respond and complete the recertification process, your benefit will be discontinued, and you’ll start paying full price. Recertification is usually simple—just confirming your continued participation in a qualifying program or that your income still qualifies.

Use your benefit or lose it. Some Lifeline programs require you to actually use your service regularly. If you have a Lifeline phone and never use it for 30 or 60 days straight, the provider might deactivate your service. This is to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who actually need them. If you’re getting phone service, make at least one call or text monthly to keep it active.

Switch providers if you’re unhappy. You’re not locked in. If your current Lifeline provider has poor coverage, bad customer service, or limited data, you can transfer your benefit to a different provider at any time. Just contact the new provider, let them know you want to transfer your Lifeline benefit, and they’ll handle the process.

Combine with other programs. Lifeline doesn’t replace the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if it’s available—they can work together. Check if you also qualify for ACP or other internet discount programs. Stacking benefits can make service even more affordable or even free.

Common Questions About Lifeline

Can I have both a Lifeline phone and Lifeline internet? No. You can only use the Lifeline benefit for one service at a time. You need to choose whether to apply it to phone service, internet service, or a bundle that includes both.

Does Lifeline provide free phones? Some Lifeline providers offer free phones as part of their service, but this varies by provider. The Lifeline program itself is a discount on service, not a phone giveaway program. Many mobile providers do include a basic phone at no cost when you sign up, but it’s their choice, not a program requirement.

What if I’m homeless? You can still qualify for and receive Lifeline even if you don’t have a permanent address. Homeless individuals can use a temporary address, a shelter address, or in some cases the address of where they receive mail. The application process allows for this.

Will Lifeline affect other benefits I receive? No. Receiving Lifeline doesn’t count as income and won’t reduce your eligibility for or amount of other assistance programs like SNAP, SSI, or housing assistance.

What happens if my income goes up? If your income rises above 135% of the poverty guidelines or you stop participating in qualifying programs, you’re supposed to report this when you recertify annually. You’ll lose Lifeline eligibility, but you won’t be penalized for the benefits you already received while you were eligible. You simply stop receiving the discount going forward.

Can I keep my current phone number? Yes, in most cases. If you’re switching to a new provider for Lifeline service, you can usually port (transfer) your existing phone number. Let the new provider know you want to keep your current number during signup, and they’ll handle the transfer process.

Do I need a Social Security number? You need a Social Security number or Tribal ID number to apply for Lifeline. If other members of your household are also applying, they need their own numbers as well. This is used to prevent fraud and ensure only one benefit per household.

Maintaining Your Lifeline Benefit

Once you’re enrolled, keeping your benefit active is simple if you follow a few basic rules.

Recertify every year. This is the most important requirement. About once per year, USAC will contact you (by mail, email, or text depending on your preferences) asking you to confirm you’re still eligible. You’ll need to verify that you still meet the income or program participation requirements. The process takes just a few minutes online or by phone. Missing recertification will result in automatic disconnection of your benefit.

Report changes to your household. If someone in your household is receiving Lifeline and they move out, or if you move in with someone who already has Lifeline, you need to report this. Remember, only one benefit is allowed per household. Failing to report household changes can lead to benefit suspension.

Use your service regularly. Many providers require some usage within a certain time period (usually 30-60 days). If you have a Lifeline phone sitting in a drawer unused, it may be deactivated. Make sure to use your service at least occasionally to keep it active.

Update your contact information. If you move, change your mailing address, or get a new email address, update your information with your Lifeline provider and with USAC. This ensures you receive recertification notices and other important communications.

Getting Started Today

If you think you might qualify for Lifeline, don’t wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner you start saving money on essential communications services.

First, gather documentation of your income or program participation. If you’re qualifying through a program like Medicaid or SNAP, find a recent benefit award letter or card showing your participation. If you’re qualifying by income, collect recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation.

Second, visit the official Lifeline website to start your application. For most states, go to https://www.lifelinesupport.org to access the National Verifier system and apply online. You can also call the Lifeline Support Center if you prefer to apply by phone or need help with the process.

If you live in California, Oregon, or Texas, check with your state’s specific program or contact Lifeline providers in your area for state-specific application instructions.

Third, once approved, compare Lifeline providers serving your area. Look at what plans they offer, what coverage they provide, and what other customers say about their service. Choose the provider and plan that best fits your needs and budget.

Finally, enroll with your chosen provider and start enjoying reduced-cost phone or internet service. Mark your calendar for one year from now to remember to recertify when the time comes.

The Lifeline program exists to ensure all Americans can afford basic communications services regardless of income. If you qualify, there’s no shame in using it—it’s a sensible program that recognizes phone and internet access as necessities in modern life. Apply today and start saving every month.