The Lifeline Assistance program provides phone and broadband internet subsidies for eligible low-income households. The program is overseen by USAC and delivered by dozens of authorized service providers called carriers.
To qualify, you must participate in specific government assistance programs or have an income below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. US residents can also apply to the Affordable Connectivity Program for a discount on high-speed internet.
Free Phones
Several providers offer free phones and cheap cell plans under the Lifeline program. These carriers vary by state, but they all offer services to seniors in the United States.
Most are not well-known brands, although they offer many features that make it easier for seniors to connect with friends and family. In addition, most of them allow participants to keep their current phone numbers. The best part is that these phones are usually less expensive than the smartphones offered by most major phone companies.
A separate program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers subsidized broadband service. Its goal is to ensure that low-income households can afford 21st-century connectivity services and the access they provide to jobs, healthcare, and emergency services.
Like Lifeline, ACP is available in every state, territory, and Tribal land. Currently, two programs can help you pay less for phone service or even get it free. The federal government subsidizes both programs. However, the two work a bit differently. The Lifeline Assistance program pays for itself through universal service fees paid by the carriers. It makes the California Lifeline program more stable.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is financed directly by Congress. It makes it more susceptible to change and means that the subsidies available through ACP need to be more consistent. Eligible low-income consumers who enroll in the Lifeline program can choose from various phones and monthly plans.
Getting a smartphone for free is easier than ever, thanks to a rapid verification system that allows you to sign up online. If you qualify for Lifeline, you can also use your benefits to get a tablet or broadband plan.
Some lifeline providers offer a Google Play-certified Android LTE smartphone with unlimited talk and text and monthly wireless service for free to eligible residents. To see if you’re eligible, enter your zip code here. The program is based on household income, not individual eligibility.
You can qualify for the Lifeline program by demonstrating a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. To do so, you must complete an application with a phone or internet provider participating in the program. Once approved, you will receive a monthly discount on your bill, covering up to $9.25. However, the discount is only suitable for one line per household.
Free Broadband
Internet access is crucial to various essential activities in today’s digital age. However, the cost of broadband can be a significant barrier for low-income households. The Lifeline program addresses this issue by providing eligible New Yorkers with free government internet to connect them to the information, services, and opportunities they need to thrive in modern society.
A home phone and mobile smartphone are essential to maintaining a stable quality of life, but for many low-income households, they need to be more affordable. The Lifeline program eliminates this financial burden by providing eligible residents with a free government smartphone with a set number of minutes, text messages, and data per month. These devices empower residents to communicate with family and friends, find jobs, apply for healthcare, and more.
Lifeline participants can also use their benefits to get discounted or free bundled phone and broadband Internet services. These broadband affordability programs are vitally important to Americans’ lives. If Congress allows ACP’s funding to expire, it would be a significant blow to the effort to ensure that all Americans have affordable access to 21st-century broadband.
Free Emergency Calling
Having a phone is vital for emergencies, but paying for it is an obstacle for many low-income seniors. Lifeline is a government program that makes free home and mobile phones available to those in need. In addition to phone and broadband discounts, the program also provides a free smartphone for eligible households. Whether you need to contact your doctor, get help with a utility bill, or call an emergency services number, Lifeline is there for you when you need it most.
To qualify, you must have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You must also be enrolled in specific income-based government assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF welfare, HEAP or Medicaid, the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Section 8.
Applicants may also qualify for Lifeline through state programs like National School Lunch or the Housing Choice Voucher program.= Using the National Verifier Application System, USAC confirms the eligibility of each applicant. This online database eliminates the need for paper documentation when enrolling in a program.
In most cases, you can keep your existing phone number when switching providers, though this may vary by state. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, and a participant cannot receive a free cell phone from two providers.
