How to Get Lifeline Phone Service

What Lifeline is and who can get it

Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your monthly phone bill to $0 to $10, depending on which provider you choose and what state you live in. The program covers either a cell phone plan or a home phone line — not both at the same time. You pay a reduced rate each month, and the federal government covers the rest through a fund called the Universal Service Fund.

You can get Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, or if you already receive certain benefits like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP. The income threshold changes each year and varies by state, so a household of four might may have access to in one state but not another. You can only have one Lifeline account per household, even if multiple people live there.

Key Takeaways

• Lifeline reduces your phone bill to $0 to $10 per month through a federal subsidy, and you choose between a cell phone plan or a home phone line.
• You must prove your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, or show you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP.
• You apply directly through a Lifeline provider in your state, not through a government office, and the process takes about two to four weeks.
• You must recertify your income or benefits every year, usually by mail or online, or your service will stop.
• If you already have phone service, you can switch to a Lifeline provider and keep your number in most cases.

Finding a Lifeline provider in your state

Lifeline is offered by different phone companies depending on where you live. Some states have many providers; others have only one or two. You can search for providers at lifelinephone.org, which is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) — the nonprofit that manages the program. Enter your state and zip code, and you will see which companies offer Lifeline in your area, along with their phone numbers and websites.

Common providers include Assurance Wireless (which offers free cell phone service with Lifeline), SafeLink Wireless, Straight Talk, and various regional home phone companies. Some providers offer only cell service, others only home phone, and some offer both. Check what each provider includes — some add free data or text messages, while others charge extra for those services.

What documents you need before you contact a provider

Before you call or visit a provider, gather proof of your income or benefits. If you are using income, you will need one recent document showing household income — a recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from your employer stating your annual salary. If you are using benefits, you will need proof that you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP — usually a benefits card, award letter, or recent statement from the program.

You will also need a valid ID (a driver's license, state ID, passport, or tribal ID) and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Some providers ask for these documents before you sign up; others ask for them after. Ask the provider what they need before you apply, so you do not make a trip or call without the right paperwork.

How to apply through a Lifeline provider

Contact the Lifeline provider you chose and tell them you want to sign up for Lifeline service. Most providers let you start the process by phone, online, or in person at a store. You will give them your name, address, phone number (if you already have one), and proof of income or benefits. The provider will ask you to sign a form stating that you meet the income or benefit requirement and that you do not already have Lifeline service elsewhere.

If you are switching from another phone company, tell the provider your current phone number and ask if they can port it — transfer it to the new service. This usually takes three to five business days. If you are getting a new number, the provider will give you one during the sign-up call or after your service is turned on. Approval typically takes two to four weeks, and the provider will contact you when your service is ready.

What happens after you are approved

Once your service starts, you will receive a bill each month showing your reduced rate. Keep paying your bill on time, even though it is very low. If you miss payments, the provider can suspend your service. Some providers offer automatic payment from a bank account or debit card, which can make it easier to stay current.

Every year, usually around the same month you signed up, you will need to recertify — prove again that you still meet the income or benefit requirement. The provider will send you a form by mail or email asking you to confirm your income or benefits. You must return it within 30 days, or your service will stop. If your income or benefits change and you no longer meet the requirement, you must tell the provider, and your Lifeline service will end.

What to do if you have trouble during sign-up

If a provider tells you that you do not meet the income requirement, ask them to explain which documents they need or whether you might meet the requirement using benefits instead of income. Sometimes a provider makes a mistake in calculating household size or income. You can also contact USAC's Lifeline program directly at 1-888-641-8722 to ask questions about your state's requirements or to file a complaint about a provider.

If you are having trouble finding a provider in your area, call 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services) and ask for Lifeline providers near you. They may know of smaller or regional companies that do not show up on the main search. If you already have phone service and want to switch to Lifeline, ask your current provider whether they offer Lifeline plans — many do, and you may not have to change companies.

Keeping your service active year to year

The most common reason people lose Lifeline service is missing the annual recertification deadline. Mark your calendar for the month you signed up, and watch for a recertification form from your provider. If you do not receive one, call the provider and ask for it. Return the form as soon as you get it — do not wait until the last day.

If your service stops because you missed recertification, you can sign up again, but there may be a waiting period. It is easier to recertify on time than to reapply. If your household income goes up above the limit, you are no longer may be able to access, and you should tell the provider so they can end your Lifeline service and you can switch to a regular plan. Some providers offer discounted plans for people who no longer meet the Lifeline requirement, so ask what other options they have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Lifeline if I am homeless?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a mailing address where you receive mail, or a friend's address as your service address. Contact the provider directly to explain your situation — they have procedures for homeless customers. You will still need to show income or benefits and have a valid ID.

What if I already have a phone plan I like?

Check whether your current provider offers Lifeline plans. Many major carriers do. If they do, you can switch to their Lifeline plan and usually keep your phone number and the same service. If your provider does not offer Lifeline, you will need to switch to a provider that does.

Do I have to use the phone number the provider gives me?

No. If you already have a phone number you want to keep, ask the provider to port it from your old service. This is free and usually takes three to five business days. If you are getting service for the first time, you can ask for a number in your area code.

What happens if my income goes up?

You are no longer may be able to access for Lifeline if your household income goes above 135 percent of the federal poverty line. You should tell your provider so they can end your Lifeline service. You can then switch to a regular phone plan with the same provider or a different one.

Can I have Lifeline on both a cell phone and a home phone?

No. One Lifeline account per household, and you choose either a cell phone or a home phone line. If you want both types of service, you would pay full price for one of them.