What Lifeline Actually Provides
Lifeline is a federal subsidy that reduces your monthly phone or internet bill, not a program that gives you a free phone or free service. The subsidy goes directly to the phone or internet company you choose, lowering what you pay each month. You still pick your own provider, sign up for their service, and pay the reduced price. The amount varies by state and provider, but typically ranges from $9 to $15 per month off your bill.
You can use Lifeline for either a phone line or broadband internet, but not both at the same time. If you already have Lifeline phone service and want to switch to internet instead, you have to drop the phone subsidy first. Some providers bundle both services, but the subsidy only covers one.
The subsidy is permanent as long as you stay enrolled and remain within the income limits. You do not have to reapply every year, but you do have to recertify every year to prove you still meet the requirements. If you do not recertify, the program will suspend your subsidy and eventually remove you.
Key Takeaways
- Lifeline reduces your monthly bill by $9 to $15 depending on your state, but you choose and pay for your own phone or internet service.
- You must have a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, or receive certain government benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- You recertify once per year by mail, phone, or online to confirm you still meet income or benefit requirements; missing recertification ends your subsidy.
- The subsidy is tied to you as a person, not to a phone number or address, so you keep it if you change providers or move.
- You can only have one Lifeline subsidy per household, even if multiple people live there.
Income Limits and Who Qualifies
Lifeline is open to you if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line. The poverty line changes every year, so the income limit changes too. For 2024, that means a single person can earn up to roughly $1,900 per month, and a family of four up to roughly $3,900 per month. These numbers shift annually, so check with your state program for the current year's limits.
You do not have to prove income if you already receive certain benefits. If you get SNAP (food information), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal Public Housing information, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program), Tribal TANF, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, you automatically meet the income requirement. You just have to prove you receive one of these benefits when you sign up.
Only one person per household can have a Lifeline subsidy, even if multiple adults live there and would each meet the income requirement on their own. If someone in your household already has Lifeline, you cannot also enroll.
How to Sign Up
You sign up through a Lifeline provider in your state, not through a federal office. Providers include major carriers like AT&T and Verizon, smaller carriers like Assurance Wireless and SafeLink, and some internet companies. Different providers operate in different states, so your options depend on where you live. You can find which providers serve your area by visiting the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) or calling 211.
When you contact a provider, you will need to give your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also have to declare your income or state which benefit program you receive. If you are claiming income, you will need to provide a recent document that shows your household income — a pay stub, tax return, benefit letter, or unemployment statement. If you are claiming a benefit, you will need to show proof like a SNAP card, Medicaid card, or benefit letter.
Some providers let you sign up online, by phone, or in person. The process usually takes a few minutes if you have your documents ready. Once approved, the subsidy starts on your next bill. You do not have to wait for a physical card or approval letter — the discount appears as a line item on your bill.
Recertification and What Happens If You Miss It
Every year, your provider will contact you to recertify — to confirm you still meet the income or benefit requirement. They will send you a notice by mail or email asking you to respond by a certain date, usually 30 to 60 days away. You can recertify by mail, phone, or online depending on your provider. You do not have to provide new documents every time; you just have to confirm your status has not changed.
If you do not respond by the important date, your provider will suspend your subsidy. You will still have phone or internet service, but you will pay the full price without the discount. If you remain unresponsive for another 30 days, the provider will remove you from the program entirely. You can reapply later, but you will have to go through the full sign-up process again.
If your income or benefit status changes during the year, you should report it to your provider. If you lose your job or your income drops, you may still may have access to. If your income rises above 135 percent of the poverty line, you will lose Lifeline when you recertify, but you can reapply if your income drops again later.
What Happens When You Change Providers or Move
Your Lifeline subsidy follows you, not your phone number or address. If you switch to a different phone company or internet provider, you can transfer your subsidy to the new provider. You will need to contact the new provider and give them your name, address, and Social Security number. They will look you up in the national database and set up the subsidy on your new account. The process usually takes a few days.
If you move to a different state, your subsidy moves with you, but the amount may change. Some states have higher subsidies than others. Your provider will update your address in the system, and your new bill will reflect the subsidy amount for your new state.
If you move and want to switch providers at the same time, contact your new provider first. They can set up the subsidy while you are setting up service. You do not have to notify your old provider; the system will automatically deactivate the subsidy there once the new provider activates it.
Phone Service Versus Internet Service
You can use your Lifeline subsidy for either a phone line or broadband internet, but you have to choose one. If you currently have Lifeline phone service and want to switch to internet instead, you must first cancel the phone subsidy. Once you cancel, you can enroll in internet service with a different provider. The reverse is also true: if you have Lifeline internet and want to switch to phone, you cancel internet first, then enroll in phone.
Some providers offer both phone and internet service, but the subsidy only covers one. If you want both services from the same company, you will pay the discounted price for one and the full price for the other. It may be cheaper to get phone from one provider with the subsidy and internet from another provider without it, depending on what each charges.
The subsidy amount is the same whether you use it for phone or internet — roughly $9 to $15 per month depending on your state. It does not increase if you add services or decrease if you use less.
Common Reasons People Lose Lifeline and How to Avoid Them
The most common reason people lose Lifeline is missing recertification. Your provider sends a notice, but it may go to an old address or email if you have not updated your contact information. If you move, change your phone number, or change your email, tell your provider right away. You can also set a calendar reminder for your recertification important date so you do not forget.
Another reason is having more than one Lifeline subsidy in the same household. The system is supposed to catch this automatically, but sometimes it takes time. If you or someone else in your home has already enrolled in Lifeline, you cannot enroll again. If you discover you have two subsidies, contact one of the providers and ask them to remove one.
Income changes can also end your subsidy. If your household income rises above 135 percent of the poverty line, you will lose Lifeline at your next recertification. If this happens and your income later drops again, you can reapply. There is no penalty for losing Lifeline due to income — you can enroll again whenever you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a specific phone company or internet provider?
No. Lifeline works with many providers in each state, and you can choose which one to use. You can also switch providers later if you want. The subsidy is tied to you, not to a specific company, so it moves with you when you change.
What if my provider says I do not may have access to?
Ask them to explain why. Common reasons are income above the limit, already having a Lifeline subsidy in your household, or not having the right documents. If you believe they made a mistake, you can contact your state's Public Utilities Commission or call 211 to file a complaint and ask for help.
Can I use Lifeline if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Lifeline does not require citizenship, only a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You must still meet the income requirement or receive a may have access to benefit.
What if I cannot afford the full price even with the subsidy?
Some providers offer additional discounts or low-cost plans beyond Lifeline. Ask your provider what other options they have. You can also contact 211 or your local community action agency to see if other phone or internet information programs are available in your area.
Do I lose Lifeline if I go to jail or prison?
Lifeline does not automatically end if you are incarcerated, but you will lose it if you do not recertify. If you are unable to respond to recertification notices while incarcerated, contact your provider before you go in and explain the situation. Some providers may be able to work with you or hold your subsidy temporarily.