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    Lifeline Internet & Phone

    $9.25/month phone OR internet for low-income households.

    What Lifeline is

    A federal program that gives a $9.25/month discount on EITHER phone OR home internet (one per household). Tribal lands get $34.25/month off. Has been around since 1985 — still many people don\'t know.

    Who qualifies (any of these)

    • Income at or below 135% of federal poverty (about $20,331/year single, $27,594 couple).
    • Receive SNAP (food stamps).
    • Receive Medicaid.
    • Receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
    • Receive Federal Public Housing Assistance.
    • Receive Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit.

    How to apply

    1. Go to lifelinesupport.org.
    2. Click "Get Started" and verify eligibility.
    3. Pick a participating provider:
      • SafeLink Wireless (free smartphone + service in many states).
      • Q Link Wireless.
      • Assurance Wireless.
      • Comcast Internet Essentials ($9.95/month + 1.2 GB gateway).
      • Spectrum Internet Assist.
      • AT&T Access from AT&T.
      • Cox Connect2Compete.
    4. Provider applies discount monthly.
    5. Recertify yearly (they remind you).

    Free smartphone option

    SafeLink, Q Link, and Assurance offer a free smartphone PLUS service. Limited monthly minutes/data ($35-40/month value), but FREE if you qualify. Great for seniors on tight budgets.

    Other internet help

    • Comcast Internet Essentials — $10/month. Available in most US areas. Includes Wi-Fi modem.
    • Spectrum Internet Assist — $20/month. 50 Mbps.
    • AT&T Access from AT&T — $5-30/month based on speed.
    • EveryoneOn.org — find more low-cost providers by zip code.
    • Cricket / Mint Mobile — $15-30/month plans for those who don\'t qualify for Lifeline.

    Free help applying

    Your local Area Agency on Aging (call Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116) or 211 can help apply for Lifeline. They know the participating providers in your area and walk you through forms.