Lifeline: Free or Discounted Phone & Internet

Staying connected shouldn't be a luxury. Lifeline is a long-running federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for households with a low income. For many families, the discount covers most — sometimes all — of a basic plan.

How the discount works

Lifeline provides a monthly credit toward one phone or internet service per household. Several providers combine that credit with their own plans, which is how you'll often see offers for a "free government phone" with a set number of minutes, texts, and data each month.

Who qualifies

You can qualify in one of two ways:

By income — if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or
By program — if you already take part in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal programs.

If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, you're very likely eligible for Lifeline as well.

Note: Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, and you'll need to recertify each year to keep it. It's free to apply — you never have to pay to enroll.

Check phone help and more

Our free 60-second check looks at Lifeline and other programs you may qualify for.

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