Lifeline Phone & Internet Discount Program: How It Works and Who It Helps

The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit that helps lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. It is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered through approved phone and internet companies, not directly by consumer websites like HowToGetAssistance.org.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only; to apply, renew, or manage benefits you must use official government portals or approved Lifeline providers.

Fast Answer: What the Lifeline Program Is

Lifeline is a long-term discount (not a one-time grant) that typically reduces your monthly phone, internet, or bundled phone+internet bill.

Key points:

  • Lifeline is one discount per household, not per person.
  • The benefit is usually around a set dollar amount off your bill each month (amount can vary by provider and state).
  • You usually choose a participating phone or internet company, and they apply the Lifeline discount to an eligible plan.
  • The benefit is meant to help low-income households keep essential communication services for work, school, health, and safety.

Lifeline is separate from, but related to, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has had funding changes; Lifeline itself is a long-standing and still-active program as of early 2026.

Does the Lifeline Program Apply to Me?

You typically qualify for Lifeline either because your income is low enough or because you already receive certain government benefits.

Common eligibility pathways

You may be eligible if at least one of these applies:

  • Income-based: Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (thresholds vary by household size and state/territory).
  • Program-based: You (or someone in your household) currently receive benefits such as:
    • SNAP (food stamps)
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) / Section 8
    • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
    • Certain Tribal assistance programs (for qualifying Tribal lands)

Only one Lifeline benefit per household is allowed, even if multiple people qualify. A “household” usually means everyone living together who share income and expenses; separate roommates with separate finances may count as different households.

Quick terms to know

  • Household: People who live together and share income/expenses.
  • Lifeline provider: A phone or internet company approved to offer Lifeline discounts.
  • National Verifier: The official system that checks if you qualify.
  • Recertification: Yearly process to confirm you still qualify.

Because rules can differ slightly by state, territory, or Tribal area, always confirm details with your state public utility commission, state consumer services office, or your chosen Lifeline provider.

What You’ll Typically Need Ready

Having documents organized before you start can prevent delays and denials.

Commonly required information and documents:

  • Proof of identity:
    • Driver’s license, state ID, passport, Tribal ID, or other government-issued ID.
  • Proof of address:
    • Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or official document with your name and service address.
  • Proof of program participation (if applying through a benefit):
    • Recent approval letter, benefits statement, or benefits card for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.
  • Proof of income (if applying by income):
    • Recent tax return, pay stubs, Social Security benefit letter, unemployment statement, or other income records showing total household income.
  • Last 4 digits of Social Security Number or full number, or Tribal ID, depending on what the system requests.

Real-world friction to watch for: A common reason applications get delayed is that uploaded or submitted documents are blurry, expired, or do not clearly show your name and address; sending clear, current copies with all pages visible typically speeds things up.

Your Next Steps: How to Apply and What to Expect

Most new Lifeline applications now go through the National Verifier, which is managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC oversight.

Step-by-step application path

  1. Check your basic eligibility.

    • Do this first: Confirm that your income or benefits match common Lifeline criteria. The official FCC Lifeline page and the National Verifier website list current qualifying programs and income limits.

  2. Create or log in to a National Verifier account.

    • Go to the official Lifeline National Verifier application portal (linked from the FCC’s Lifeline page or USAC’s Lifeline section).
    • Provide your identifying information and contact details.

  3. Submit eligibility proof.

    • Upload or mail copies of your income or program documents as requested.
    • If the system can automatically confirm you (for example through a state database), you may not need to upload documents.

  4. Wait for an eligibility decision.

    • Many people receive an online decision quickly, but processing can take longer if manual review is needed or documents are missing.
    • What to expect next: You should receive a notice telling you whether you are approved, denied, or need to submit more information.

  5. Choose a Lifeline provider and plan.

    • Once approved, contact a participating Lifeline phone or internet company in your area and tell them you have a Lifeline approval from the National Verifier.
    • They will typically:
      • Verify your approval with the National Verifier
      • Help you select an eligible plan
      • Apply the Lifeline discount to your account

  6. Service activation.

    • If you are a new customer, the provider will usually set up new service or provide a SIM card/device (for mobile) or schedule installation (for home internet).
    • What to expect next: Your monthly bill or statement should show a Lifeline discount line or a reduced charge once the benefit is applied.

  7. Recertify each year.

    • Lifeline is not permanent; you typically must confirm your eligibility once per year.
    • You should receive notices before your recertification deadline with instructions from either the National Verifier or your provider.

If you can’t find the right office or portal:

  • Visit the FCC’s official Lifeline page (search “FCC Lifeline program” in your browser) for links to USAC’s Lifeline consumer site and the National Verifier.
  • You can also call 2‑1‑1 in many areas to ask which local providers participate in Lifeline.

A short phone script you can use with a provider:
“Hello, I’m calling to ask if your company is a Lifeline provider. I believe I qualify and would like to know how to use my Lifeline benefit with one of your plans.”

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Because Lifeline involves ongoing bill discounts and personal information, it can attract scams and misunderstandings.

Common snags (and quick fixes)

  • Multiple benefits in one household:
    • Snag: Two people in the same address each sign up separately, and one gets cancelled.
    • Fix: Make sure only one person per household applies, or properly document that separate households exist at the same address (for example, roommates with separate finances).
  • Missing recertification:
    • Snag: The benefit stops because the yearly recertification notice was ignored or mailed to an old address.
    • Fix: Keep your mailing and email address current with your provider and respond to recertification notices promptly through the official channels.
  • Using temporary documents:
    • Snag: Submitting old or temporary benefit letters can lead to a denial or “need more info” message.
    • Fix: Use recent benefit or income documents that clearly show your name, the program, and dates.

Scam and safety basics

  • Lifeline does not charge an application fee; be cautious of anyone asking for payment to apply.
  • Only give your Social Security number or ID through official government portals or directly to an authorized Lifeline provider you have verified yourself.
  • Be wary of unsolicited calls, texts, or social media messages offering “free phones” or “guaranteed approval” in exchange for your personal information; official programs never guarantee approval.
  • You can verify whether a company is a legitimate Lifeline provider by checking the USAC Lifeline Provider search or your state public utility commission’s website.

If Lifeline Doesn’t Work or You’re Denied

If you apply and are denied, or if the benefit is removed, there are still paths you can try.

Fixing a problem with your Lifeline application

  1. Review the denial or notice carefully.

    • Look for phrases like “insufficient documentation,” “income exceeds limit,” or “duplicate household”; these indicate what needs correction.

  2. Gather corrected documents.

    • If the issue was documentation, send clearer, current copies that match the name, address, and information on your application.

  3. Reapply or appeal through the National Verifier.

    • The official portal usually provides instructions to submit more documents, correct information, or file an appeal.
    • Timelines and options can vary, so follow the directions on your notice exactly.

  4. Contact your Lifeline provider or state office if service stops unexpectedly.

    • Ask why the benefit ended and whether you can re-certify, correct information, or reapply.

If you remain ineligible for Lifeline, you can ask providers about low-income or budget plans they offer outside of Lifeline, and check with local social services or 2‑1‑1 for other communication assistance options.

Official Resources to Use Next

To move forward, use only official channels. Helpful starting points include:

  • The FCC’s Lifeline Program page for current federal rules and links to the National Verifier and USAC Lifeline resources.
  • Your state public utility commission or consumer services office website to see state-specific rules and lists of participating providers.
  • 2‑1‑1 (dial from most phones or visit your state’s 211 website) to get help locating legitimate Lifeline providers and other local assistance programs.

Once you’ve checked your eligibility and gathered your documents, your next concrete step is to start an application through the National Verifier or by contacting a verified Lifeline provider in your area.