Discount on your phone or internet service

Lifeline | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

1. How it Works

Lifeline is a federal program that gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.

  • To get the Lifeline discount, you can either:

    • Check if your current phone or internet company offers the Lifeline discount, or

    • Enroll in service with a phone or internet company that offers the Lifeline discount.

  • Your eligibility for Lifeline will be checked automatically every year.

  • Only one Lifeline discount is available per household.

2. Determine your eligibility

You are eligible for Lifeline if you can answer yes to any of the questions below.

  1. Does someone in your household participate in one of these programs?

    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    • Medicaid

    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

  2. Is your income equal to or less than the income requirements?

  • If your household size is 1, your yearly income must be at or below $20,331.

  • If your household size is 2, your yearly income must be at or below $27,594.

  • If your household size is 3, your yearly income must be at or below $34,857.

  • If your household size is 4, your yearly income must be at or below $42,120.

  • If your household size is 5, your yearly income must be at or below $49,383.

  • If your household size is 6, your yearly income must be at or below $56,646.

  • If your household size is 7, your yearly income must be at or below $63,909.

  • If your household size is 8, your yearly income must be at or below $71,172.

  • For each additional person, add $7,263.

3. How to apply

Here are your options.

Apply online

  1. Complete the online application on the National Verifier.

  2. Once you are approved for Lifeline, enroll in the Lifeline program with a participating phone or internet company. Visit a company in-store, or contact one online or by phone.

Apply by mail

  1. Print and complete an application in English or Spanish. Mail in your application with documents to prove your eligibility.

  2. Once you are approved for Lifeline, enroll in the Lifeline program with a participating phone or internet company. Visit a company in-store, or contact one online or by phone.

Apply by phone

Ask your phone or internet company if they offer Lifeline or contact a company that offers Lifeline near you.

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