The Lifeline program helps SSI recipients afford phone and internet service. Here's how to get this valuable discount on your monthly bill.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What Lifeline is
- Eligibility for SSI recipients
- What's covered
- How to apply
1. What Lifeline Is
The basics:
- Federal program for phone/internet discounts
- Up to $9.25/month off your bill
- Higher discount in some areas
- One per household
What it covers:
- Landline phone service
- Wireless phone service
- Internet service
- Bundled services
Who runs it:
- FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
- USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company)
- Participating phone/internet providers
- State public utility commissions
2. Eligibility for SSI Recipients
Automatic qualification:
- If you receive SSI, you qualify
- SSI is a qualifying program
- No income calculation needed
- Just prove you receive SSI
Other qualifying programs:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal assistance programs
Income qualification:
- If not on qualifying program
- Household income at or below 135% of poverty guidelines
- Most SSI recipients already qualify through SSI
- Income option as backup
One per household:
- Only one Lifeline benefit per address
- Cannot combine with others in household
- Must certify you're the only one receiving it
- Violations can result in penalties
Important: Make sure no one else in your household already has Lifeline before applying.
3. What's Covered
Monthly discount:
- $9.25/month for qualifying service
- Higher amounts on Tribal lands ($34.25)
- Applied to your bill
- Same amount for phone or internet
Service options:
- Voice service (phone)
- Broadband internet
- Bundled voice and broadband
- Choose what works for you
With participating providers:
- Many major carriers participate
- Some offer free phones
- Check available providers in your area
- Compare offers
Free phone options:
- Some providers offer free phones
- Under Lifeline or similar programs
- Basic smartphones available
- Limited data and minutes
4. How to Apply
Step 1: Check eligibility
- Verify you receive SSI
- Confirm no one else in household has Lifeline
- Gather documentation
Step 2: Choose a provider
- Search for Lifeline providers in your area
- Visit lifelinesupport.org
- Compare plans and features
- Some offer better deals than others
Step 3: Apply
- Through chosen provider
- Or through National Verifier at nv.fcc.gov
- Provide proof of SSI receipt
- Complete application
Step 4: Recertify annually
- Must verify eligibility each year
- Respond to recertification notices
- Failure to recertify ends benefits
- Mark your calendar
Documentation needed:
- SSI benefit letter
- Official SSA documentation
- Government document showing SSI participation
- May verify electronically in some cases
Affordable Connectivity Program
Additional help:
- ACP provided up to $30/month (when funded)
- Could stack with Lifeline
- Check current status of program
- May have ended or been replaced
Similar programs:
- State-specific programs
- Provider discount programs
- Tribal programs
- Check all options
Making the Most of Lifeline
Compare providers:
- Not all Lifeline plans are equal
- Some include more minutes
- Some include more data
- Free phone quality varies
Keep service active:
- Use your phone at least every 30 days
- Unused service may be discontinued
- Make a call, send a text, or use data
- Stay connected
Recertify on time:
- Respond to all notices
- Usually annual recertification
- Don't lose benefits due to paperwork
- Update address if you move
Other Assistance Programs
For internet:
- Library internet access
- School or community programs
- Provider low-income programs
- Check local resources
For phones:
- Provider assistance programs
- Nonprofit phone programs
- Prepaid low-cost options
- Emergency phones
How Purple Helps
Purple keeps you connected:
- Manage phone bill payments
- Track all your expenses
- Budget for communications costs
- Stay organized financially
- Early access to your benefits