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During the pandemic, we’ve learned the importance of staying connected at home. Whether we’re working from home, taking care of our health through telemedicine, or just trying to stay healthy by binge-watching shows on our favorite streaming services, a reliable broadband connection is essential to our daily routines.
Now we are all riding the waves of uncertain economic times. In such moments, finding ways to save money can be empowering. The federal government’s Lifeline program can help, especially now that thethe Affordable Connectivity Program has ended.
Lifeline began in 1985 to help low-income families afford telephone service. It provides a monthly benefit of $9.25 to help offset these costs. Qualifying individuals and families on tribal lands can receive up to $34.25. While Lifeline still covers traditional landline and wireless plans, the program was expanded in 2016 to include home broadband service.
A home internet discount can help you stay connected to job prospects, educational opportunities, family services and emergency care. The Lifeline program is available to consumers nationwide, but eligibility is limited to low-income families and individuals. CNET can tell you what you need to know to determine if you qualify. If you do, you’ll find that the Lifeline discount also opens the door to additional savings — more on that later.
Do you qualify?
Although Lifeline is available in the U.S., not everyone can benefit from it. The goal is to help low-income households and individuals stay connected to school, work, play, utilities, health care, and other social services. To participate in Lifeline, at least one household member must meet the program requirements.
If anyone in your household is currently participating in government assistance programs, such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, tribal programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Head Start), and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs, you are eligible for the Lifeline discount.
Even if you do not participate in any of the above programs, you may still qualify for Lifeline based on your income. Your household qualifies if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This is what that looks like:
Lifeline Qualification: Total Income
| Number of people in the household | 135% of poverty line (48 states and Washington DC) | 135% of poverty line (Alaska) | 135% of poverty line (Hawaii) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $24,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
Show more (3 items)
Once you have more than eight people, add $5,380 to the final listed amount for each additional individual. Also, the numbers are slightly higher for people living in Alaska and Hawaii, as you can see above. In Alaska, you need to add $6,730 to the final listed amount for each individual over eight. Consumers living in Hawaii need to add $6,190 for each individual over eight.
Have you gathered your documents and paperwork?
Whether you apply online or complete your application by mail, you will need to gather several documents to verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you will need statements that are no more than 12 months old. Acceptable documentation includes (but is not limited to):
- Proof of income (Options include a recent pay stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, or a tax return). Note: If the documentation does not cover a full income year, it must cover three consecutive months.
- Proof of program participation (including a statement of participation or a benefits statement).
Please retain these documents and make copies to send. The full list of acceptable documents is available online at the Lifeline Support Center.
Now it’s time to sign up for Lifeline
For the most part, you can apply for Lifeline broadband benefits online through the Lifeline National Verifieran application system set up by the Federal Communications Commission and managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company. You can go to the site, enter your name, address and identifying information and begin the process of qualifying for benefits. The two exceptions are Oregon and Texas. Applicants from those two regions must go through their state’s specific application process.
If you prefer, you can also choose to apply by post. You will then need to print an application (a PDF is available on the USAC site), complete it and send copies (be sure to keep all of your originals — send only duplicates) of all required documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. You may also request that an application be mailed to you. To do so, send an email to LifelineSupport@usac.org or call Lifeline at 800-234-9473.
Once you start your Lifeline application, you have 45 days to complete the process. Additionally, once you qualify for Lifeline, you have 90 days to sign up for service with an internet company or apply your Lifeline benefit to your current broadband provider.
Bonus Round: Lifeline Can Unlock Extra Savings on Internet Services
You have just been accepted into Lifeline and are now getting the $9.25 discount on your internet service, which is great. Even better, many internet providers offer low cost plans to qualifying customers, but you will need to enter your information to see if you qualify.
Here are just a few ISPs that offer discounts on internet services:
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all providers offering cheap residential broadband. Check out CNET’s best internet deals for seniors and students , and our curated list of monthly discounts and promos .
Some final details to keep in mind
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. If you choose to use the discount on your home internet, you cannot get an additional discount on telephone services. You must choose one of the two.
Eligible individuals must also recertify their eligibility annually to continue receiving the Lifeline discount. Failure to do so will disqualify the subscriber from further assistance until eligibility is reinstated.
If you have questions about the Lifeline program, please email LifelineSupport@usac.org or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lifeline
Did Lifeline start during the COVID-19 pandemic?
No. Lifeline has been around since 1985. It started as a way to provide affordable phone service to low-income families. Home internet service was included when the program expanded in 2016. The coronavirus pandemic helped raise the profile of the program, but it existed long before that.
Can anyone participate in Lifeline?
Although Lifeline is available in all 50 states nationwide, it is geared toward helping low-income families and individuals; not everyone can apply. To qualify for Lifeline, you must meet eligibility requirements, which range from eligibility for specific government assistance programs to a household income of less than or equal to 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is Lifeline the same as the Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. While both are federal programs aimed at helping more Americans get affordable internet access, Lifeline has been around since 1985 and the ACP was only a few years old. Unfortunately, funding for the ACP has run out, so unless Congress passes a bill to provide further funding, there will be no more money available for the ACP.
