What Is the Lifeline Program?

Takeaways

• Home internet and phone service support independence. Seniors often rely on connectivity for telehealth, prescription refills, errands, and staying in touch with loved ones.

• The Lifeline Program is a federal program that can lower the monthly cost of internet or phone service. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month, and up to $34.25 per month on qualifying Tribal lands.

• Many seniors qualify automatically. Enrollment in programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit may make your household eligible.
• You can qualify in three ways: through a benefits program, through income limits, or through the survivor pathway for certain victims of violence.
• You can apply online, through a participating company, or by mail.

The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit that can help lower the monthly cost of phone service, internet service, or bundled services for eligible low-income households. (Note: This Lifeline program is a phone and internet affordability benefit and is not the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.)

Access to reliable internet and phone service at home offers many benefits, particularly for seniors. It can help with scheduling medical appointments, using telehealth, ordering prescriptions, managing benefits, arranging grocery delivery or transportation, and staying connected with family members and friends.

In 2023, 32 percent of older adults lacked access to wireless broadband internet at home, per AARP. Although libraries offer free internet and computers in the community, it can be challenging for older adults with mobility or health issues to make the trip to the library. Particularly for those experiencing aging-related health challenges, in-home internet presents the fewest barriers to access. That is one reason the Lifeline program can be so helpful.

Low-Cost Internet for Seniors Through Lifeline

If you qualify for Lifeline assistance, you can generally receive:

• Up to $9.25 per month off eligible services
• Up to $34.25 per month if you live on qualifying Tribal lands

Do I Qualify for Lifeline Service?

There are three pathways to qualifying for Lifeline. You can qualify based on program participation or income. Some survivors may also qualify through what is known as the survivor pathway.

Although age is not considered on its own, many seniors may be already participating in a government program that makes them eligible through the first pathway.

1. Qualifying Through Another Benefits Program

You may qualify if you (or someone in your household) participates in certain government assistance programs, including:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

For those living on qualifying Tribal lands, additional programs may also qualify your household, including:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

You can also qualify in some cases if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program.

2. Qualifying Through Income

For 2026, you may qualify if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (which vary by household size and state and are updated annually). Because guidelines change annually, check the current limits when you apply.

3. Qualifying Through the Survivor Pathway (Safe Connections Act)

If someone is escaping domestic violence, human trafficking, or certain related crimes, Lifeline also has a “survivor” option. Typically, you’ll need to show you asked your phone company to separate your line from someone else’s account. The company’s written confirmation (such as an email, text message, or letter) can serve as proof of that request. You’ll also need to meet financial eligibility rules.

Survivors can qualify for Lifeline in the same ways as anyone else (through standard income limits or participation in certain benefit programs). In addition, the survivor option includes expanded eligibility pathways. You may qualify if you meet any of the following:

• Household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Enrollment in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program (including certain community eligibility schools/districts)
• Receipt of a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

How Do I Apply for and Start Receiving Lifeline Program Benefits?

If you or a loved one could be eligible for Lifeline, the program offers three ways to apply.

• An online application is available.
• You can also apply through a participating phone or internet company: see this Companies Near Me search tool for Lifeline providers.
• Finally, helpful for those without internet access at home, a paper application is available and can be mailed in to Lifeline Support Center.

Learn more about how to apply for the Lifeline Program.

After you’re approved, you will need to choose a phone and internet service provider in your area. The service provider that you choose must also offer Lifeline benefits. You must sign up for this service and ask them to apply the Lifeline discount to your service.

Note that each year, you will have to recertify that you still qualify for the Lifeline benefit. If your Lifeline program administrator or state asks you to recertify, you will need to do so within 60 days.

Lifeline Program Can Matter for Older Adults

Staying connected can support health and independence as we age, from communicating with medical providers to managing everyday logistics and maintaining social connections. For seniors on a fixed income, Lifeline can be a practical way to reduce monthly bills while staying connected.

Additional Reading

• Getting the Medicare Grocery Allowance for Seniors
• Medicare’s Extra Help Program for Prescription Drug Coverage
• Affordable Housing Options for Low-Income Older Adults
• Medicaid’s Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance Ensures a Health Spouse Has Enough Income