How to Apply for Lifeline Phone Service

What you need before you start

Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your phone bill if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. To apply, you will need to prove two things: that you live in the service area of a participating phone company, and that your household income qualifies. You do not apply to the federal government directly — you apply through your phone company or through a third-party organization that handles Lifeline for your state.

The documents you bring depend on which route you take and what your phone company accepts as proof of income. Most commonly, you will need a recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from a benefits program like SNAP or Medicaid. Some companies accept a signed statement from you instead, especially if you cannot produce recent documents. A few states also let you prove income by showing your current phone bill or utility bill.

Before you gather anything, call your phone company's customer service line and ask whether they handle Lifeline applications directly, or whether you need to contact a third party. This one call will tell you exactly what documents that specific company wants and where to send them.

Key Takeaways

• You apply through your phone company or a state-designated third party, not through a federal office.
• You will need proof that your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, usually a recent pay stub or benefits letter.
• Your phone company's customer service line can tell you in one call what documents they accept and where to submit them.
• Once approved, the discount appears on your monthly bill — you do not receive a separate check or card.
• You must recertify your income every year, usually by mail or online, or your service will stop.

Finding the right application route for your state

Some states run Lifeline through the phone companies themselves. Others use a state agency or a nonprofit organization as the middleman. The fastest way to find out which applies to you is to call your phone company's main customer service number and ask: "Do you handle Lifeline applications, or do I need to contact someone else?" They will give you a direct answer and often a phone number or website.

If your phone company does not handle it, they will tell you which organization does. That organization is usually listed on your state's Public Utilities Commission website, but calling your phone company first saves you the search. A few states also have a statewide Lifeline coordinator you can reach through 211 — dial 2-1-1 from any phone and tell them you are looking for Lifeline information.

Write down the name, phone number, and website of whoever handles Lifeline in your state before you move forward. You will need to contact them with questions about what documents to send and when to expect a decision.

Gathering proof of income

Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person's household income cannot exceed roughly $18,000 per year, though this number changes yearly and varies slightly by state. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, the organization handling Lifeline in your state can tell you the exact threshold and help you understand whether your income counts.

Most phone companies and state programs accept one of these as proof of income: a recent pay stub (usually from the last 30 days), a tax return from the past two years, a benefits award letter from SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF, or a letter from your employer stating your salary. Some also accept a signed statement from you saying what your income is, though this is less common and usually only when you cannot produce other documents.

If you receive income from multiple sources — a job plus disability payments, for example — you may need to show proof of all of it. Ask the organization handling Lifeline in your state whether they want separate documents for each source, or whether one document showing total household income is enough. Keep copies of whatever you send, in case they ask you to resubmit.

Submitting your application

Most applications go by mail or online, depending on what your phone company or state program offers. Ask when you call whether they have an online form, a paper form you can print, or whether you mail documents directly to an address. Some organizations let you upload documents through a website; others want everything mailed in an envelope.

Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, account number (if you have one), and a brief note saying you are applying for Lifeline. Attach your proof of income and any other documents they asked for. Mail everything to the address they gave you, or upload it through their website if that option is available.

Keep a record of what you sent and when. If the organization has a tracking number or confirmation email, save it. Processing usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are faster and some slower. If you do not hear back within a month, call to check on the status.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, the discount shows up on your next phone bill. Lifeline typically reduces your bill by $9.25 per month for a landline or wireless service, though some states offer additional discounts on top of that. You will see the reduction as a line item on your bill labeled "Lifeline Discount" or "Universal Service Discount." You do not receive a separate payment or card.

If you switch phone companies, you will need to reapply with the new company. Lifeline does not transfer between carriers. Call your new phone company and ask how to apply, and bring the same income documents you used before.

Every year, usually around the same month you applied, you will receive a notice asking you to recertify that your income still qualifies. This is usually a simple form you fill out and mail back, or a form you complete online. If you do not recertify by the deadline, your service will be suspended. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the month after you are approved, so you know when to expect the recertification notice.

What to do if you are denied

If the organization handling Lifeline in your state denies your application, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons are that your income is above the threshold, you did not provide proof of income, or you did not live in the service area of a participating phone company. Read the denial letter carefully to see which reason applies to you.

If your income was above the threshold, you can reapply next year if your circumstances change. If you did not provide proof of income, you can usually reapply right away with the correct documents. If the denial was because of a mistake — for example, they said you were not in the service area but you are — call the organization and ask them to reconsider. Bring any additional documents that prove your point.

Some states have an appeal process. The denial letter should tell you whether you can appeal and how. If it does not, call the organization and ask whether you have the right to appeal and what the deadline is.

Keeping your service active year to year

Lifeline requires annual recertification. You will receive a notice in the mail or by email asking you to confirm that your household income still qualifies. This notice usually arrives around the same time each year. You must respond by the deadline or your service will stop.

Recertification is usually simpler than the first application. You may only need to sign and return a form, or answer a few questions online. If your income has changed, bring updated proof. If your income has gone up but is still below the threshold, you can still recertify. If it has gone above the threshold, you will no longer may have access to, but you can reapply if your income drops again in the future.

Mark your calendar for the month after you are approved, and set a phone reminder for the same date each year. This way you will not miss a recertification deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Lifeline if I do not have a phone yet?

Yes. You can apply before you sign up for service. Contact the phone company or organization handling Lifeline in your state and ask whether you can apply as a new customer. Once approved, you can then activate service with the discount already in place. Some phone companies let you apply and activate on the same day.

What if my income is just slightly above 135% of the poverty line?

You do not may have access to for Lifeline if your income is above the threshold, even by a small amount. However, some states offer similar discounts through other programs. Ask the organization handling Lifeline whether your state has an alternative program for people just above the income limit.

Do I have to use a specific phone company to get Lifeline?

No. Most major phone companies participate in Lifeline, including wireless carriers. Call your phone company and ask whether they offer it. If they do not, you can switch to one that does and apply through them instead.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to reapply in your new state. Lifeline rules and participating phone companies vary by state. Contact your new phone company or call 211 to find out how to apply where you now live.

Can I use Lifeline on a prepaid phone plan?

Some prepaid carriers offer Lifeline, but not all. Call your prepaid phone company and ask whether they participate. If they do not, you can switch to a carrier that does and apply through them.