Step-by-step guide

How to get a low-cost phone plan with Lifeline

The short answer

Lifeline is the federal program that takes up to $9.25 a month off internet or a phone-and-internet bundle, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands, one per household. Phone-only service gets up to $5.25 a month, guaranteed through November 30, 2027.1 4 5

You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines ($21,546 for one person in 2026), or if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension. Lifeline is a discount on service, not a phone, so ask each company what its plan includes.1 2

Updated October 2026. Rules differ by state, so call your office before you go. Questions? We're here: call or text 888-860-RISE.

Your steps, in order

1
Check that you qualify
Qualify through income (at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines) or through a program: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans and Survivors Pension. Tribal programs also count on Tribal lands.1
For one person in the 48 states, the 2026 income limit is $21,546 a year; for two, $29,214.2
Tip:
Just got out, or just left a shelter? Apply for SNAP or Medicaid first. Getting either one makes you eligible for Lifeline.
2
Gather copies, not originals
You'll need an ID showing your name, date of birth and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or a Tribal ID number), plus proof that you get a qualifying benefit or proof of income.7 10
Benefit letters and screenshots need an issue date within the last 12 months or an expiration date in the future.10
Bring
- Copy of an ID with your name and date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number, or a Tribal ID number
- Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing or Veterans Pension, dated in the last 12 months, or proof of income
- Proof of address, only if your address can't be checked automatically
3
Apply through the National Verifier
Apply online at LifelineSupport.org, by mail with FCC Form 5629 to USAC Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845, or with a phone company in person. A company can't sign or initial the application for you.6 8 9
No permanent address? Use a temporary one, such as a shelter or the home of family or a friend, or describe where you physically live. On the form, answer yes to "Is this a temporary address?" Don't use a P.O. box as your home address.3 9
4
Share an address? Fill out the Household Worksheet
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, meaning people at the same address who share income and expenses. If you live with other adults but keep your money separate, the Household Worksheet (Form 5631) shows you're your own household.3 1 11
5
Pick a company and enroll
Once you're approved, use the Companies Near Me tool to choose a phone or internet company and sign up with it. You can switch companies at any time.7 3
6
Keep it
Tell your company within 30 days if you move or no longer qualify.9
Recertify every year. If you're asked to, you have 60 days to respond, or you'll be removed from the program.12

What it costs

Service	Monthly discount
Applying	Free
Internet, or phone and internet together	Up to $9.25
Phone only	Up to $5.25, guaranteed through November 30, 2027
On Tribal lands	Up to $34.25 ($30.25 for phone only)
Emergency support for survivors	Up to $9.25 ($34.25 on Tribal lands) for up to 6 months
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)	Ended. No ACP discounts since June 1, 2024

If this is you

Situations that change how you apply.

Leaving an abuser or trafficking, on a shared plan

Ask the phone company to separate your line from the abuser's account. It can't charge a fee and must act within 2 business days. Include evidence such as a signed statement from a medical or mental health provider, a victim services provider or a court employee, or a police report or protective order. The company can't judge whether it's true.16 17 14

Survivor needing emergency help

After a line separation, you can apply for up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support with income up to 200% of the poverty guidelines. WIC, school meals and Pell Grants also count. The address can be any you've had in the last 6 months.15 14

Leaving prison or jail

There's no separate prison rule. You qualify the usual way, through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or your income.

Living in a shelter or on a friend's couch

Use the shelter's or friend's address as a temporary address, or describe where you physically live.3

You had the ACP before

The ACP has ended. You may qualify for Lifeline, but not every household that had the ACP will.13

Stuck on a step? You don't have to do this alone.

Call or text, and we'll help you find the right office and what to bring. Someone on our team can step in whenever youwhat to bring, with a real person on our team whenever you need one.apos;d like. Or become a RISING MEMBER: a mentor who's been there helps you build a plan, step by step. You do the work; we walk with you.

Call or text 888-860-RISE Become a RISING MEMBER Phone help near you

Questions people ask

Is Lifeline a free phone?

Lifeline is a monthly discount on phone or internet service: up to $9.25 for internet or a bundle, or $5.25 for phone only. Ask each company what its Lifeline plan includes.

Can I get Lifeline without an address?

Yes. You can use a temporary address, such as a shelter or the home of family or a friend, or describe where you physically live.

Can two people in my home get Lifeline?

Only one benefit per household, meaning people who share income and expenses. Adults at the same address who keep their money separate can each qualify by filling out the Household Worksheet.

Do I have to prove abuse to separate my line from a family plan?

You include evidence, such as a signed statement from a provider, victim services worker or court employee, or a police report or protective order. The company can't charge a fee, can't judge whether it's true, and must act within 2 business days.

What if I can't apply online?

Apply by mail with Form 5629, or apply in person with a phone company. The company can't sign for you.

Keep going: more first-step guides

Sources

Official pages, read in October 2026. Rules change. If something here looks out of date, please let us know at hello@riseaid.org and we'll fix it.

1.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline consumer eligibility
2.USAC, LifelineSupport.org. How to qualify (2026 income limits)
3.USAC, LifelineSupport.org. Frequently asked questions
4.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline minimum service standards and support amounts
5.Code of Federal Regulations, 47 CFR 54.403. Lifeline support amount
6.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). National Verifier
7.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). How to use the National Verifier
8.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Resolve application errors
9.Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline application, FCC Form 5629 (February 2026)
10.USAC, LifelineSupport.org. Lifeline acceptable documentation guide (July 2026)
11.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline forms (application, recertification, household worksheet)
12.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Recertification
13.Federal Communications Commission. The Affordable Connectivity Program has ended
14.Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Safe Connections Act
15.USAC, LifelineSupport.org. Survivor benefit
16.Code of Federal Regulations, 47 CFR 64.6402. Line separation requests: timing and no fees
17.Code of Federal Regulations, 47 CFR 64.6401 to 64.6404. Protections for survivors in multi-line accounts