Lifeline: help paying for phone and internet

A monthly discount on phone or internet service. If you already receive certain other assistance, you are very likely eligible and may not know it.

This is not the program that ended

The Affordable Connectivity Program — the ACP — ended, and it was the bigger one. A lot of people gave up on internet help at that point.

Lifeline is a different program, it is older, and it is still running. If you stopped looking when the ACP stopped, this is worth another look.

Who qualifies

There are two routes in. Either one is enough.

1. You already receive one of these

Medicaid — in Washington, Apple Health
SNAP — in Washington, Basic Food
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

This is the easy route and the one people miss. If you are on Apple Health, Basic Food, SSI or a Veterans Pension, you are very probably eligible and may never have been told.

2. By income

Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. That threshold is a percentage rather than a fixed amount, because the guidelines change annually and vary with household size. Check the current figure for your household size at the official site.

2026 Lifeline benefit

Eligibility limits change periodically. Please verify the current limits with the program before applying.

See current limits at USAC Lifeline Support

The discount applies to broadband or a bundle. Voice-only service follows different rules, and there is an enhanced benefit for people living on Tribal lands.

How to apply

Through the official Lifeline programme, run by USAC. Applying is free.

Check eligibility at Lifeline Support

After you are approved you choose a participating company. Ask your current provider first — they may take part, and staying put is simpler than switching.

Apply at the official site only. There are look-alike sites and callers offering to sign people up. Lifeline is free to apply for. Never give your Social Security number or bank details to anyone who contacted you first, and do not pay a fee to apply.

Keep it once you have it

You have to recertify periodically. People lose Lifeline by missing the notice, not by becoming ineligible — so open post from your provider or from Lifeline rather than setting it aside.

Questions people actually ask

Is this the same as the ACP that ended?

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended, and it was larger. Lifeline is a separate, older program that is still running. A lot of people gave up on internet help when the ACP stopped and never found out Lifeline existed — if that was you, it is worth another look.

Can I use it for a cell phone?

Yes. Lifeline can apply to phone service, internet service, or a bundle. Voice-only service follows different rules from broadband, and which options exist depends on the companies operating where you live.

Do I have to change providers?

Not necessarily. Your current company may participate. Check with them first before switching to an unfamiliar provider, particularly if you are happy with your coverage.

Can my household get more than one?

No. Lifeline is one benefit per household, not per person. A household is broadly the people who live together and share expenses.

Do I have to reapply?

You have to recertify periodically to keep it. Watch for the notice and respond to it — people lose the benefit by missing that letter rather than by becoming ineligible.

Official sources

If one bill is tight, others may be too

The programs that make you eligible for Lifeline — Apple Health, SSI, Basic Food — also affect what your Medicare should cost. Tim can walk through where that stands.

Talk With Tim About Medicare: (360) 472-4261

This line is recorded, as Medicare requires for plan conversations.

Last reviewed September 2026. American Senior Choices does not determine eligibility for government assistance programs. Eligibility is determined by the appropriate agency. Program rules, income thresholds and benefit amounts can change.

Disclaimer: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 33 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.