How does Lifeline work?

To get the Lifeline discount: Check if your current phone or internet company offers Lifeline, or Switch to a phone or internet provider that does Your Lifeline eligibility will be checked automatically every year after you enroll. Each household can receive one Lifeline discount for either internet or phone service, depending on what your service provider offers.

Am I eligible for Lifeline?

You’re eligible for Lifeline if you answer yes to either question: Does someone in your household receive: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Does your household income meet these requirements? Household size Maximum yearly income 1 $21,128 2 $28,553 3 $35,978 4 $43,403 5 $50,828 6 $58,253 7 $65,678 8 $73,103 For each additional person: +$7,425

How do I Apply to Lifeline?

Complete the online application . Once approved for Lifeline, enroll with a participating phone or internet company in-store, online, or by phone. Print and complete an application in English or Spanish . Mail in your application with documents to prove your eligibility. Once approved for Lifeline, enroll with a participating phone or internet company in-store, online, or by phone. Ask your phone or internet company if they offer Lifeline or contact a company in your area that offers Lifeline.

Lifeline – ACCESS NYC

How it works

Lifeline is a federal program that provides up to $9.25 monthly off phone or internet service.

To get the Lifeline discount:
- Check if your current phone or internet company offers Lifeline, or
- Switch to a phone or internet provider that does
Your Lifeline eligibility will be checked automatically every year after you enroll.
Each household can receive one Lifeline discount for either internet or phone service, depending on what your service provider offers.

Eligibility requirements

You’re eligible for Lifeline if you answer yes to either question:

Does someone in your household receive:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Does your household income meet these requirements?

Household size	Maximum yearly income
1	$21,128
2	$28,553
3	$35,978
4	$43,403
5	$50,828
6	$58,253
7	$65,678
8	$73,103
For each additional person:	+$7,425

How to apply

Complete the online application.
Once approved for Lifeline, enroll with a participating phone or internet company in-store, online, or by phone.

Apply online

Print and complete an application in English or Spanish. Mail in your application with documents to prove your eligibility.
Once approved for Lifeline, enroll with a participating phone or internet company in-store, online, or by phone.

Ask your phone or internet company if they offer Lifeline or contact a company in your area that offers Lifeline.

Get help

Visit the Lifeline website

lifelinesupport.org

Email Lifeline

Email [email protected] for questions about your application or to have an application mailed to you.

Call Lifeline

Call 800-234-9473 for questions about your application or to have an application mailed to you.

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Last Updated May 29, 2025

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Discount on your phone or internet service

Lifeline | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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