Lifeline: $9.25 Off Your Phone Bill, Every Month
Lifeline is a federal program that takes money off your phone or internet bill every month. With some wireless plans, that discount covers the whole bill. Here is who qualifies and exactly how to sign up, one step at a time.
- Up to $9.25 a month
- Phone or internet
- Free to apply
Watch how it works
About a minute, all five steps.
What is it?
Lifeline is run by the FCC, the federal agency over phone and internet companies. It gives a discount of up to $9.25 a month on one phone plan, one internet plan, or a bundle of both. If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, the discount can be up to $34.25 a month.
You can keep the company you already have, if it takes part, or switch to one that does. Some wireless companies offer Lifeline plans that cost you nothing at all.
Who can get it?
You qualify if you, or someone in your household, gets any one of these:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal housing help, like Section 8 or public housing
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
Or if your household income is at or below these limits (2026, most states):
| People in your home | Yearly income up to |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 |
| 2 | $29,214 |
| 3 | $36,882 |
| 4 | $44,550 |
| Each extra person | add $7,668 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. See the official income table.
How to sign up
Step 1: Go to the official site
Go to LifelineSupport.org and tap Apply Now, then Get Started. If you'd rather have help, call the Lifeline Support Center. Real people answer, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern.
800-234-9473Lifeline Support Center · tap to callYou can also apply through a phone or internet company that takes part in Lifeline, or by mail. See all the ways to apply.
Step 2: Make your account
Have these ready:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Last 4 of your SSN
- Home address
- An email address
Step 3: Apply and sign
- On your account page, tap Start Lifeline Application.
- Check every program you get (like Medicaid and SNAP). If you don't get any, choose to qualify by income.
- Look over your answers and tap Submit.
- Initial each statement, type your first and last name to sign, and tap Submit again.
Step 4: Get your answer
Your result shows on screen, or comes by email or mail. If you're approved, it will show a deadline to sign up with a company. Don't let it run out.
Step 5: Pick a phone or internet company
- Go to Companies Near Me.
- Type your ZIP code, or your city and state.
- Pick Lifeline as the program and tap Search.
- Call or visit the company you want and tell them you're approved for Lifeline. If your current company is on the list, you can ask them to add it to your plan.
Good to know
One per household
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, meaning the people who share money and bills. If someone in your home already has it, you can't get a second one.
You have to renew it every year
Once a year, you'll be asked to confirm you still qualify. Watch your mail, email, and texts so you don't lose it.
Use it or lose it
If you have a free plan, use the phone at least once every 30 days, like a call or a text. If you don't, you can lose the benefit.
California, Texas, or Oregon?
These states handle part of the process their own way. Start at LifelineSupport.org and it will point you to the right place.
Is it a scam?
No, it's a real federal program, but watch out for fakes. Lifeline is always free to apply for. Never pay anyone to sign you up, and only give your information on LifelineSupport.org or to a company you found on the official list.
Rules can change, so check the official Lifeline Support site for the latest. Last checked October 2026. Dependent, Not Addicted is not part of the government and does not run this program. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.