How the Lifeline Program Works and Who Can Get It

What Lifeline Actually Covers

Lifeline is a federal program that pays part of your monthly phone bill — usually between $9.25 and $34.25 per month, depending on your state and the phone company you use. The program covers either a landline, a cell phone, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, but not more than one at a time. You pick which type of service you want, and Lifeline pays the phone company directly on your behalf.

The subsidy goes straight to your provider, so you see it as a credit on your bill rather than receiving money yourself. This means your actual out-of-pocket cost for phone service drops significantly — many people end up paying $0 to $10 per month after the Lifeline discount is applied. You still choose your own phone company and your own plan; Lifeline just reduces what you owe.

Key Takeaways

• Lifeline reduces your monthly phone bill by $9.25 to $34.25 depending on your state, and the discount goes directly to your phone company.
• You must meet income limits (usually 130% to 200% of the federal poverty line, depending on your state) or receive certain government benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
• You can only receive one Lifeline discount per household, even if multiple people live there, and you must recertify your income or benefits every year.
• Most phone companies let you start Lifeline through their website or by calling customer service, though some states run their own enrollment systems.
• If you stop using your phone service for 30 days or more, the program automatically removes you, and you will need to re-enroll if you want it back.

Income and Benefit Limits That Determine Who Qualifies

You can receive Lifeline if your household income falls at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty line. That percentage varies by state — some states use 130%, others use 150%, and a few use 200%. For 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person is around $14,580 per year, so the income cutoff in your state will be somewhere between roughly $19,000 and $29,000 annually, depending on which percentage your state uses.

You do not have to calculate this yourself. If you already receive SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, you automatically meet the income requirement. You simply provide proof that you receive one of these benefits when you enroll. Many people use this route because they already have the paperwork on hand.

If you do not receive any of those benefits, you will need to show proof of your household income — usually a recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from a benefits program stating your income. The phone company or your state's Lifeline administrator will tell you which documents they accept.

How to Enroll Through Your Phone Company or State Program

Most major phone companies — including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and many smaller carriers — let you enroll in Lifeline directly through their website or by calling their customer service line. You can ask to speak with a Lifeline representative, and they will walk you through what documents you need and how to submit them. Some companies let you upload documents online; others ask you to mail them or bring them to a store.

A few states run their own Lifeline enrollment systems instead of letting phone companies handle it. If you live in one of these states, you will enroll through your state's designated administrator — usually the Public Utilities Commission or a similar agency — rather than through the phone company itself. Your state's Public Utilities Commission website will tell you which system applies where you live.

The enrollment process typically takes one to three weeks. During that time, you can keep using your phone service normally; the discount will appear on your bill once you are approved. If you are already a customer of a phone company that offers Lifeline, you can often enroll without switching providers.

Recertification: Proving Your Income Every Year

Lifeline requires you to recertify your income or benefits status once per year. This means you will receive a notice asking you to confirm that you still meet the program's requirements — either by showing updated income documents or by confirming that you still receive one of the may have access to benefits. If you do not respond within the timeframe given (usually 30 to 60 days), the program will remove you from Lifeline.

Recertification is straightforward if your situation has not changed. If you still receive SNAP or Medicaid, you can often recertify online or by phone without submitting new paperwork. If your income has changed, you will need to provide updated proof — a recent pay stub or tax return. The phone company or state administrator will tell you exactly what they need and how to send it.

Mark the recertification deadline on your calendar or set a phone reminder. Missing it is the most common reason people lose Lifeline, even though they would still may have access to if they simply responded to the notice.

What Happens If You Stop Using Your Phone

If your phone service goes unused for 30 consecutive days, Lifeline automatically removes you from the program. This can happen if you switch phones, lose your service temporarily, or simply do not make any calls or texts for a month. You will not receive a warning — the removal happens automatically.

If this happens and you want Lifeline back, you will need to re-enroll from the beginning. You can do this through your phone company or state administrator using the same process as your initial enrollment. There is no penalty for re-enrolling, but you will have to submit your documents again and wait for approval.

To avoid this, use your phone at least once every 30 days — even a single call or text counts. If you are switching to a new phone or service, contact your phone company before you make the change to let them know you want to keep Lifeline active during the transition.

One Lifeline Discount Per Household, Not Per Person

Even if multiple people live in your household, only one of you can receive a Lifeline discount. The program defines a household as people who live together and share expenses. If two people in the same household both have phone service, only one of those phone bills can have the Lifeline subsidy applied.

This means you need to decide which person's phone service will receive the discount — usually the person who uses the phone most or who has the lowest income. The other household members can still have phone service; they just will not receive the Lifeline subsidy. When you enroll, you will certify that no one else in your household is receiving Lifeline, and the program will flag your address to prevent duplicate enrollments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Lifeline with a prepaid phone plan?

Yes, many prepaid carriers participate in Lifeline. The subsidy works the same way — it reduces your monthly cost. However, not all prepaid companies offer Lifeline, so you will need to check with your specific carrier or ask when you enroll. Some carriers that offer Lifeline prepaid plans include Tracfone and Safelink.

What if my income goes over the limit after I enroll?

You are required to report changes in your income or benefits status. If your income rises above your state's limit, you should notify your phone company or state administrator, and they will remove you from the program. Continuing to receive Lifeline after you no longer may have access to can result in having to repay the subsidy.

Can I switch phone companies while I have Lifeline?

Yes, but you need to handle it carefully. Contact your current phone company and let them know you are switching providers and want to keep Lifeline. They will remove Lifeline from your old account. Then enroll with your new phone company's Lifeline program. Some companies can transfer your Lifeline status directly; others require a new enrollment.

Do I have to pay anything to enroll in Lifeline?

No. Lifeline enrollment is free, and there are no application fees or hidden charges. If anyone asks you to pay to enroll in Lifeline, they are running a scam. Always enroll directly through your phone company or your state's official Lifeline administrator.

What if I lose my job and my income drops?

If your income drops below your state's limit, you can enroll in Lifeline or recertify early if you are already enrolled. Contact your phone company or state administrator and let them know your situation has changed. You will need to provide proof of your new income level, such as a termination letter or recent pay stubs showing reduced hours.