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Updated October 12, 2026 · 5-minute read

Lifeline: a discount on your phone or internet bill

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers one phone or internet bill every month. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, you probably qualify.

The short version

  1. Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off one phone, internet or bundled plan (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands).
  2. You qualify if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension, or if your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  3. Apply at getinternet.gov, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
  4. Answer the yearly recertification notice, or you lose the discount.

What you get

The discount comes off your monthly bill for one service per household: a cell phone plan, a home phone, home internet, or a phone-and-internet bundle. Some companies offer Lifeline plans that cost little or nothing after the discount.

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A "household" means people who live together and share money, not just an address.

Who qualifies

You can qualify in either of two ways.

1. You, your child or a dependent gets one of these:

  • SNAP (food stamps)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
  • Certain Tribal programs, if you live on Tribal lands

2. Your income is low enough

Your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. You'll need proof, like a tax return or three recent pay stubs.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Apply online.Go to getinternet.gov (the National Verifier). It checks government records, so many people are approved without sending papers. Live in Oregon or Texas? Apply through Oregon Lifeline or Texas Lifeline. In California, sign up through a participating phone company.
  2. Have proof ready.If it can't confirm you automatically, it will ask for a document like a SNAP or Medicaid letter, a benefit statement or a tax return.
  3. Pick a company.After you're approved, use the Companies Near Me tool to find phone and internet companies that offer Lifeline where you live.
  4. Sign up and check your bill.The discount should show up on your monthly bill.
  5. Recertify every year.You'll get a notice once a year asking you to confirm you still qualify. Answer it before the deadline.

Need help?

Call the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, 7 days a week, or email LifelineSupport@usac.org.

Watch out for scams

Applying for Lifeline is free. Real Lifeline companies don't charge a fee to apply. Only enter your Social Security number on the official sites linked on this page.

Other ways to cut your phone bill

If you don't qualify, a prepaid plan can still cost far less than a big-carrier contract. Run our Lower My Bills check to compare options.

Want it all on paper?

The free Budget Starter shows what's left after bills each paycheck, so you can see exactly what a lower phone bill does for you.

The Hard Month Kit · $9Free Budget Starter

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Sources

Checked October 12, 2026. Programs change their rules. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount. Found something wrong? Email help@billhelpnow.com.