Need an alternative to the ACP program? Find out how much you can save with the Lifeline program

The end of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program has resulted in 23 million Americans be cut off from valuable funding; a disproportionate number of these users were veteransThe ACP credited households with $30 to $75, meaning in some cases it covered the entire cost of monthly internet bills.

Nowadays we need the internet for almost everything, from work from home, Taking care of our health through telemedicinewatch shows on our favorite channels streaming services or just staying in touch with our friends and family – having a reliable broadband connection is fundamental in our daily routine.

Although there is no suitable alternative to ACP yet, Americans still have a few options to get a discount on their monthly internet bill. One of the most prominent options is Lifeline, a federal government program that can help you stay connected online.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Lifeline was launched in 1985 to make phone service more affordable for low-income families. It offers a monthly benefit of $9.25 to offset those costs, while eligible individuals and families on tribal lands can receive up to $34.25. While Lifeline still covers traditional landline and wireless plans, the program was expanded in 2016 to include home broadband service.

A Home Internet The discount can help you stay connected to job opportunities, education opportunities, family services and emergency care. The Lifeline program is available to consumers nationwide, but eligibility is limited to low-income families and individuals.

CNET can tell you what you need to know to determine if you’re eligible. Being eligible for Lifeline can open the door to other discounts offered by internet providers or the government, but we’ll get to that later. Let’s explore the eligibility requirements for Lifeline and how you can apply today.

Am I eligible?

Lifeline is available throughout the United States, but not everyone can qualify. Its goal is to help low-income households and individuals stay connected to school, work, recreation, utilities, health care, and other social services. So, to participate in Lifeline, at least one member of the household must meet the program’s requirements.

You may be eligible if someone in your household is currently participating in the following government assistance programs:

• Federal public housing assistance
• Medical aid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Supplemental Security Income
• Tribal-Specific Programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Indian Reservation Food Distribution Program, and Head Start Program)
• Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit Programs

Even if you don’t participate in any of the above programs, you may also be eligible for Lifeline depending on your income.

Please note that your household will be eligible if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the 2024 federal poverty guidelines, as outlined below.

Lifeline Qualification: Total Income

Number of people in the household	(48 states and Washington DC)	(Alaska)	(Hawaii)
1	$20,331	$25,394	$23,369
2	$27,594	$34,479	$31,725
3	$34,857	$43,565	$40,082
4	$42,120	$52,650	$48,438
5	$49,383	$61,736	$56,795
6	$56,646	$70,821	$65,151
7	$63,909	$79,907	$73,508
8	$71,172	$88,992	$81,864

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Once you exceed eight people, add $7,263 to the final amount listed for each additional person. Also, the numbers are slightly higher for people living in Alaska and Hawaii, as you can see above. In Alaska, you must add $9,086 to the final amount listed for each person beyond eight. Consumers living in Hawaii must add $8,357 for each person beyond eight.

What documents or papers do I need?

Whether you apply online or complete your application by mail, you will need to gather several documents to verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you will need statements dated within the last 12 months. Acceptable documents include (but are not limited to):

• Proof of income (e.g., a recent pay stub, Social Security benefit statement, or tax return). Note: If the documents do not cover a full year of income, they must reflect three consecutive months.
• Proof of participation in the program (including a participation notification letter or benefits statement).

In some cases, you may need to send additional documents proving your identity (Social Security number, driver’s license, W-2, etc.).

Keep these documents and make copies to submit. The full list of accepted documents is available online through the Lifeline Help Center.

How do I apply to Lifeline?

In most cases, you can apply for Lifeline broadband benefits online through the Lifeline National Verifier, an application system set up by the Federal Communications Commission and managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company. You can go to the site, enter your name, address, and identifying information, and begin the benefit eligibility process. The two exceptions are Oregon and Texas. Applicants in those two areas must follow their state-specific application process.

If you prefer, you may also choose to apply by mail. You will need to print an application (a PDF is available on the USAC website), fill it out, and send copies (be sure to keep all your original documents – send only duplicates) of all required documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845. You may also request that an application be mailed to you. To do so, email [email protected] or call Lifeline at 800-234-9473.

Once you start your application for Lifeline, you have 45 days to complete the process. Additionally, once you are eligible for Lifeline, you have 90 days to sign up for service with an internet company or apply your Lifeline benefit to your current broadband provider.

What other programs am I eligible for?

You’ve just been accepted to Lifeline and now have the $9.25 discount on your internet service, which is great. Many internet providers may offer additional low-cost packages to eligible customers, but you’ll need to enter your details to see if you’re eligible.

Here are some of the ISPs that offer discounted Internet services:

This is not an exhaustive list of all providers that offer low-cost home Internet access. To find out what low-cost Internet plans are available in your area, visit CNET Internet Guide for Low-Income People, State by State.

You can also check out our best internet deals for elders And students and our compiled list of monthly discounts and promotions.

A few final details to keep in mind

There is only one Lifeline benefit allowed per household. If you choose to use the discount on your home internet, you cannot receive an additional discount on phone service. You must choose one or the other.

Additionally, eligible individuals must recertify their eligibility each year to continue receiving the Lifeline discount. Failure to do so will result in the subscriber being disqualified from further assistance until eligibility is restored. You may change internet provider whenever you want, but you will also need to reapply to receive this benefit.

If you have any questions regarding the Lifeline program, you can email [email protected] or call the Lifeline Help Center at 800-234-9473.

Lifeline FAQ