Throughout the pandemic, we learned how important it is to be connected at home. Whether working from home, tending to our health via telemedicineor simply trying to stay sane by binge-watching shows on our favorite streaming services -- having a reliable broadband connection is fundamental to our daily routines.
Now, we're all riding the waves of uncertain economic times. During such moments, finding ways to save money can be empowering. Most importantly, now that the Affordable Connectivity Program has ended, leaving many Americans without access to low-cost home internet, the federal government's Lifeline program may help.
What is the Lifeline program?
Lifelinebegan in 1985 to help low-income families afford phone service. It provides a monthly benefit of $9.25 to help offset those costs. Eligible individuals and families on tribal lands may 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.
Locating local internet providers
A home internet discount can help you stay tethered to job prospects, schooling 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 walk you through what you need to know to determine if you qualify. If you do, you may find that the Lifeline discount also opens the door to additional savings -- more on that to come.
Am I eligible?
While Lifeline is available across the US, not everyone can benefit. Its goal is to assist low-income households and individuals to stay connected to school, work, play, utilities, health care and other social services. To participate in Lifeline, at least one household member must fit the program requirements.
Locating local internet providers
You may be eligible if anyone in your home currently participates in the following government assistance plans:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Tribal-specific programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and Head Start)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Even if you do not participate in any of the above programs, you might also be eligible for Lifeline based on your income.
It's worth noting that your household will qualify if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as seen below.
Lifeline qualification: Total income
| No. of people in the household | (48 states and Washington DC) | (Alaska) | (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 |
Once you get over eight people, add $5,380 to the last amount listed for each additional individual. Also, the numbers are slightly higher for folks living in Alaska and Hawaii, as you can see above. In Alaska, you should add $6,730 to the final amount listed for each individual beyond eight. Consumers living in Hawaii should add $6,190 for each individual beyond eight.
What documents or paperwork do I need?
Whether you sign up online or complete your application process by mail, you'll need to gather several documents to help verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you'll need statements dated within the past 12 months. Acceptable documentation includes (but isn't limited to):
- Proof of income (some options are a current pay stub, a Social Security statement of benefits or a tax return). Note: If the paperwork does not cover a full income year, it must reflect three consecutive months.
- Proof of program participation (including a notice letter of participation or statement of benefits).
Keep these documents and make copies to send. The complete list of acceptable documents is available online via the Lifeline Support Center.
Applying for Lifeline
For the most part, you can apply for Lifeline broadband benefits online through the Lifeline National Verifier, an application system set up by the Federal Communications Commission and run 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 states' specific application process.
If you prefer, you can also choose to apply by mail. You will need to print out an application (a PDF is available on the USAC site), complete it and send copies (make sure you keep all your original paperwork -- send duplicates only) of all required documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. You can also request that an application be mailed to you. To do so, either email LifelineSupport@usac.orgor call Lifeline at 800-234-9473.
Once you start your application for Lifeline, you have 45 days to complete the process. Additionally, once you qualify for Lifeline, you'll have 90 days to either sign up for service with an internet company or apply your Lifeline benefit to your current broadband provider.
What other programs am I eligible for?
You've just been accepted for Lifeline and now get the $9.25 benefit on your internet service, which is great. Even better, many internet providers offer low-cost plans to eligible customers, but you'll have to enter your details to see if you qualify.
Here are just a few of the ISPs that offer discounted internet service:
- Astound Broadband
- AT&T
- Breezeline
- Cox Communications
- Frontier Communications
- IdeaTek
- Jackson Energy Authority
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Spectrum
- Starry
- TDS Telecom
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- Xfinity
This is not an exhaustive list of all providers that offer cheap residential broadband. To find out what affordable internet programs are available in your area, check out CNET's state-by-state low-income internet guide. You can also check out our best internet deals for seniors and students, and our compiled list of monthly discounts and promos.
Some final details to keep in mind
There is only one Lifeline benefit permitted per household. If you choose to use the discount on your home internet, you cannot get an additional discount on phone service. You must choose one or the other.
Also, eligible people must recertify their eligibility yearly to continue receiving the Lifeline discount. Failure to do so will result in the subscriber getting disqualified for further assistance until eligibility has been reestablished.
If you have questions regarding the Lifeline program, you can email LifelineSupport@usac.org or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.
Lifeline FAQs
What is the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline program was established in 1985 and is geared toward low-income households. Lifeline offers monthly discounts for phone and home internet services. Eligible individuals may receive a monthly credit of $9.25 for their internet and those who reside on tribal lands may receive up to $34.25.
You can apply for Lifeline's broadband benefits through its online application form, the Lifeline National Verifier. Another option would be to print out an application and mail it along with your other documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Did Lifeline start during the COVID-19 pandemic?
No, Lifeline has been around since 1985. It first started as a means to get affordable phone service to low-income families. Home internet service began to be included when the program's scope was expanded in 2016. The coronavirus pandemic helped bring the program to greater light, but it existed well before that time.
Can anyone participate in Lifeline?
While Lifeline is available in all 50 states, it is aimed toward helping low-income families and individuals; not everyone will be able to sign up. Toqualify for Lifeline, you must meet the eligibility requirements, which range from participation in specific government assistance programs to a household income less than or equal to 135% 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 obtain an affordable internet connection, Lifeline has existed 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, monies for the ACP will no longer be available.
