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The end of funding from the Affordable Connectivity Program resulted in 23 million Americans being cut off from valuable funding; a disproportionate number of those users were veterans. The ACP credited $30 to $75 to households, meaning that in some cases, it covered the full cost of monthly internet bills.
These days, we need the internet for almost everything, from working from home, tending to our health via telemedicine, watching shows on our favorite streaming services or simply staying connected to our friends and family -- having a reliable broadband connection is fundamental to our daily routines.
Although there is not yet a suitable alternative to the ACP, Americans still have a few options for getting a discount on their monthly internet bill. One of the most important options is Lifeline, a federal government program that can help you stay connected online.
What is the Lifeline program?
Lifeline began in 1985 as a method of making phone service more affordable for low-income families. It provides a monthly benefit of $9.25 to offset those costs, while eligible individuals and families on tribal lands may 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 discount can help you stay tethered to job prospects, schooling 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 walk you through what you need to know to determine if you qualify. Qualifying for Lifeline can open the door for further discounts either offered by internet providers or by the state, but we'll get into that later. Let's explore the eligibility requirements for Lifeline and how you can apply today.
Am I eligible?
Lifeline is available across the US but not everyone can benefit. Its goal is to assist low-income households and individuals in staying connected to school, work, play, utilities, health care and other social services. So to participate in Lifeline, at least one household member must fit the program requirements.
You may be eligible if anyone in your home currently participates in the following government assistance plans:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Tribal-specific programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and Head Start)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Even if you do not participate in any of the above programs, you might also be eligible for Lifeline based on your income.
It's worth noting that your household will qualify if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines as seen below.
Lifeline qualification: Total income
| No. 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 |
Show more (3 items)
Once you get over eight people, add $7,263 to the last amount listed for each additional individual. Also, the numbers are slightly higher for folks living in Alaska and Hawaii, as you can see above. In Alaska, you should add $9,086 to the final amount listed for each individual beyond eight. Consumers living in Hawaii should add $8,357 for each individual beyond eight.
What documents or paperwork do I need?
Whether you sign up online or complete your application process by mail, you'll need to gather several documents to help verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you'll need statements dated within the past 12 months. Acceptable documentation includes (but isn't limited to):
- Proof of income (some options are a current pay stub, a Social Security statement of benefits or a tax return). Note: If the paperwork does not cover a full income year, it must reflect three consecutive months.
- Proof of program participation (including a notice letter of participation or statement of benefits).
In some cases, you may need to send additional documentation showing proof of identity (Social Security Number, Driver's license, W-2, etc.).
Keep these documents and make copies to send. The complete list of acceptable documents is available online via the Lifeline Support Center.
How do I apply for Lifeline?
For the most part, you can apply for Lifeline broadband benefits online through the Lifeline National Verifier, an application system set up by the Federal Communications Commission and run by the Universal Service Administrative Company. You can go to the site, enter your name, address and identifying information and begin the process of qualifying for benefits. The two exceptions are Oregon and Texas. Applicants from those two regions must go through their states' specific application process.
If you prefer, you can also choose to apply by mail. You will need to print out an application (a PDF is available on the USAC site), complete it and send copies (make sure you keep all your original paperwork -- send duplicates only) of all required documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845. You can also request that an application be mailed to you. To do so, either email LifelineSupport@usac.org 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 qualify for Lifeline, you'll have 90 days to either 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 for Lifeline and now get the $9.25 benefit on your internet service, which is great. Many internet providers can offer additional low-cost plans to eligible customers, but you'll have to enter your details to see if you qualify.
Here are just a few of the ISPs that offer discounted internet service:
- Astound Broadband
- AT&T
- Breezeline
- Cox Communications
- Frontier Communications
- IdeaTek
- Jackson Energy Authority
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Spectrum
- Starry
- TDS Telecom
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- Xfinity
This is not an exhaustive list of all providers that offer cheap residential broadband. To find out what affordable internet programs are available in your area, check out CNET's state-by-state low-income internet guide.
You can also check out our best internet deals for seniors and students and our compiled list of monthly discounts and promos.
Some final details to keep in mind
There is only one Lifeline benefit permitted per household. If you choose to use the discount on your home internet, you cannot get an additional discount on phone service. You must choose one or the other.
Also, eligible people must recertify their eligibility yearly to continue receiving the Lifeline discount. Failure to do so will result in the subscriber getting disqualified for further assistance until eligibility has been reestablished. You can switch your internet provider whenever you please, but you'll also have to re-apply for the benefit.
If you have questions regarding the Lifeline program, you can email LifelineSupport@usac.org or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.
Lifeline FAQs
What is the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline program was established in 1985 and is geared toward low-income households. Lifeline offers monthly discounts for phone and home internet services. Eligible individuals may receive a monthly credit of $9.25 for their internet and those who reside on tribal lands may receive up to $34.25.
You can apply for Lifeline's broadband benefits through its online application form, the Lifeline National Verifier. Another option would be to print out an application and mail it along with your other documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Did Lifeline start during the COVID-19 pandemic?
No, Lifeline has been around since 1985. It first started as a means to get affordable phone service to low-income families. Home internet service began to be included when the program's scope was expanded in 2016. The coronavirus pandemic helped bring the program to greater light, but it existed well before that time.
Can anyone participate in Lifeline?
While Lifeline is available in all 50 states, it is aimed toward helping low-income families and individuals; not everyone will be able to sign up. To qualify for Lifeline, you must meet the eligibility requirements, which range from participation in specific government assistance programs to a household income less than or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is Lifeline the same as the Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. While both are federal programs aimed at helping more Americans obtain an affordable internet connection, Lifeline has existed since 1985 and the ACP was only a few years old. Unfortunately, funding for the ACP has run out, so unless Congress passes a bill to provide further funding, monies for the ACP will no longer be available.