How to get a Lifeline phone or internet discount

Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the Federal Communications Commission. It reduces the monthly bill for phone service, broadband, or a bundle, from participating providers. Some providers offer plans where the discount covers the full price of a basic plan, including free smartphones in some cases.

Eligibility is based either on income or on participation in another programme. Being on Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans and Survivors Pension, or qualifying Tribal programmes makes you eligible regardless of income. Residents of Tribal lands may get an enhanced benefit.

Applications go through the National Verifier, which checks eligibility against government databases where possible. Once approved, you choose a participating provider. Some providers can start the application for you, but the eligibility decision is made by the Verifier.

Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, not per person. A household is defined by people who live together and share income and expenses. Recertification is required each year.

The Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided a larger internet discount, stopped taking new enrolments and ended in 2024. Lifeline continues. Several internet providers also offer their own low-cost plans for households on Medicaid, SSI or public housing assistance.

Choosing a provider matters as much as qualifying. Wireless Lifeline providers often offer a basic plan with a set amount of talk, text and data that costs nothing after the discount, sometimes with a free smartphone. Wireline and broadband providers apply the discount to a home phone or internet bill instead. Coverage varies by area, so check which providers have good signal where you live before choosing.

The household rule trips many people up. If you live with others, the question is whether you share income and expenses. Adults who live at the same address but keep separate finances - room-mates, or adult children with their own income - can each be a separate Lifeline household, but you must complete a household worksheet to show it.

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. If someone else at your address already has Lifeline, you may need to show you are a separate household.

1. Check your eligibility

   If you receive Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension, you likely qualify.

2. Apply through the National Verifier

   Online or by mail. Some providers help start the application.

3. Provide documents if asked

   If the Verifier cannot confirm automatically, upload proof of programme participation or income.

4. Choose a participating provider

   Compare plans - some cover the full cost of basic service.

5. Enrol and start the discount

   The provider applies the discount to your bill.

6. Recertify every year

   Respond to recertification notices to keep the benefit.

7. Use the service regularly

   For free plans, use your phone or data at least once every 30 days - calls, texts or data. Lifeline rules remove benefits from lines that are not used.

Lifeline

The FCC programme giving a monthly discount on phone or internet service.

National Verifier

The FCC system that checks Lifeline eligibility.

Household worksheet

A form showing you are a separate household from others at your address.

Recertification

The yearly confirmation you still qualify.

Non-usage rule

Free Lifeline lines must be used at least once every 30 days or may be removed.

• FCC - Lifelinewww.fcc.gov