📱 How to Apply for the Lifeline Phone or Internet Benefit
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of qualifying phone or internet service. A household may qualify through income or participation in an accepted assistance program.
Use the official Lifeline Support application page. Most applicants use the National Verifier online, work with a participating company, or mail a paper form; Oregon and Texas direct residents through their state process.
Approval by the verifier is not the final service step. Contact a participating company and link the benefit. One Lifeline benefit is generally allowed per household, not per person.
Use only LifelineSupport.org or a participating provider. Do not send benefit documents or identity details to an unsolicited caller or social-media account. Compare the provider's regular price, data, device, activation, and cancellation terms before choosing service.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Full legal name, date of birth, and accepted identity information
- Home address and separate mailing address when applicable
- Proof of qualifying program participation or household income
- Household Worksheet when another person at the address receives Lifeline
- Tribal program or Tribal-land information when relevant
- Application ID and approval notice for provider enrollment
🪜 Step-by-step
- Check current income and program-based eligibility rules.
- Choose online, participating-company, or mail application.
- Complete identity, address, and household questions exactly.
- Provide benefit or income proof if databases cannot verify eligibility.
- Save the application ID and approval expiration date.
- Use the official locator to compare participating providers.
- Ask the selected company to enroll the approved benefit.
- Respond to recertification and information requests by the deadline.
| Estimated cost | Free to apply. Service prices, devices, data amounts, taxes, and additional features vary by company. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Online verification may be quick when records match; document review or mail takes longer. Provider activation is separate. |
Frequently asked questions
Can a household receive two Lifeline discounts?
Generally only one benefit is allowed per household, even when several people live at the address.
Does approval automatically start service?
No. After approval, enroll with a participating phone or internet company.
Must I recertify every year?
The program may verify automatically or send a request. Missing a required response can end the discount.