Lifeline (Phone & Internet Discount)
Last updated August 2026
Lifeline is the federal discount on phone or internet service: up to $9.25 a month, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands, and $5.25 for voice-only lines. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing help, or a Veterans Pension, you qualify. So does income at or below 135 percent of the poverty line, which is $21,546 a year for one person in 2026.
Applying is two steps, and people miss the second one. Step one: qualify through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org. Automated checks are often instant, and uploaded documents are usually reviewed within minutes. Step two: take your approval to a participating phone or internet company and enroll. Qualifying alone does not start the discount.
One discount per household, not per person. A household means people who share income and expenses, not just an address. Roommates who keep separate finances can each get one; a couple cannot get two.
Clear up the big confusion: the $30 internet discount program, the ACP, ended in 2024. It is gone. Lifeline is alive and separate. The "free government phone" offers you see are carriers packaging their service around this same $9.25 subsidy, so you can just as easily apply it to a plan you pick, or keep your current phone.
Every year you must recertify, and you get 60 days when the notice comes. Miss it and the discount ends. Oregon and Texas residents apply through their state's own verifier instead of the national one. Denied or stuck? Call the support center at 800-234-9473, open 9 to 9 Eastern, seven days.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and similar programs
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Check your path: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, or Veterans Pension qualifies you, or income at or below 135 percent of poverty.
- 2
Apply at lifelinesupport.org through the National Verifier. Oregon and Texas use their own state process.
- 3
If documents are requested, upload them online. Online reviews usually finish within minutes; mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
- 4
Then enroll with a participating phone or internet company. The discount does not start until you do.
- 5
Fill out the household worksheet if asked. One benefit per household, defined by shared money, not shared address.
- 6
Recertify every year within the 60-day window, or the discount ends. Questions: 800-234-9473, open daily.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is the Lifeline discount?
Up to $9.25 a month for broadband or bundles, $5.25 for voice-only, and up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. It applies to a plan from any participating company.
How do I qualify for Lifeline?
Get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, or a Veterans Pension, or have income at or below 135 percent of the poverty line: $21,546 a year for one person in 2026.
Is this the $30 internet discount I heard about?
No. That was the ACP, which ended in 2024. Lifeline is a separate, still-active program with its own amounts and its own application at lifelinesupport.org.
Can everyone in my house get Lifeline?
No, one benefit per household. A household is people who share income and expenses. Roommates with separate finances can each qualify on their own.
Do I have to use a specific phone company?
No. Qualify first, then pick any participating company. You can keep your own phone and number. The 'free phone' offers are just carriers bundling this same discount.
Why did my Lifeline discount stop?
Usually a missed annual recertification; you get 60 days to respond each year. Call 800-234-9473 to sort it out or dispute a decision.
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